Dona Jean Smith

Dona Jean Smith, 88, died on March 26, 2022. She was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Jay C. and Fern F. (Ford) Weeks.

She was the oldest of four children: sisters Betty Lou and Kathleen and brother James Weeks. She married Howard P. Smith on February 1, 1953, and they celebrated their 67th anniversary in 2020. Howard preceded her in death on September 21, 2020. They had four children: Howard Jr., Debra, Lauri, and Pamela.

She was a fabulous homemaker, seamstress, crafter, and a wonderful mom, grandma, and great-grandma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents, Jay and Fern; brother, James; brothers-in-law, John Payne, Julius Wittman, and John Wood. She is survived by her children: Howard and Marilou Smith, Debra and Greg Davison, Lauri and John McKinley, and Pam and Andy Hermanns; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren of whom she loved dearly; her sisters, Betty Lou Branson, Kathleen Payne; sisters-in-law, Lassie Wittman and Jill Wood; as well as brother-in-law, Orville Branson.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Waitsburg. There will be a celebration of both Howard and Dona Jean following the service at the Old Towne Hall, 121 Main Street in Waitsburg, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Donations may be made to the Waitsburg Historical Society, Walla Walla Hospice, or charity of choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362.