Donna Smith

Donna Mae (Polka) Smith of Stilwell, Oklahoma, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ on May 30, 2017. Donna was born on November 12, 1933, in Tama, Iowa, to
Albert and Joyce Polka. She grew up in Tama and graduated from Tama High School
in 1951. Donna married Bill Smith on December 12, 1952, and together they farmed
and raised their 5 children on a farm southwest of Tama until they moved to the
Stilwell, Oklahoma area in 1981. She managed Sequoyah Loans from 1982 until her
retirement in 1995.
Donna was a loving wife and mother who took a great deal of pleasure from caring for
her husband and family. Her cooking and baking were legendary among her children
and grandchildren. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday as the family grew and
multiplied by marriage and grandchildren. Donna knew everyone's favorite dish and
made sure it was prepared. The dinner eventually got so large that it had to be moved
from her home to the Regency Inn in Stilwell. Besides cooking, her hobbies included
rug making and Sudoku puzzles. She was gifted with babies and they would cheer up
in her loving arms.
Donna trusted Christ as her Savior in 1959. She was active in the local church from
that time on. For many years she played both the piano and organ at First Baptist
Church in Tama, Iowa. At the time of her death she was a member of Rocky Mountain
Bible Church in Stilwell, Oklahoma.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Joyce Polka . She is survived
by her husband of 64 years: Bill Smith, of Stilwell, Oklahoma; her sister: Betty (Arnold)
Chantland of Ames, Iowa; her children: Deb (Bob) West of Ames, Iowa; Becky (John)
Reger of Ames, Iowa; John (LeighAnn) Smith of Katy, Texas; Tom (Karen) Smith of
Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Beth (Dallas) Essary of Stilwell, Oklahoma. She ha s 17
grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at Stilwell Cemetery on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 AM with a
memorial service to follow at Rocky Mountain Bible Church. Memorials may be directed
to New Tribes Missions.

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