Dona Jean Smith, 93, passed away on May 6, 2023, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kan. She was born on February 11, 1930, to Palmer and Caroline (Massier) Deines in Hays, Kan.
Coming to Albert from Ellis in 1963, and then becoming a Great Bend resident in 2013, Dona worked at the Holiday Inn, but the job she enjoyed most in her working years was providing daycare to children. She also enjoyed playing bingo, her flowers, and watching dirt track racing.
Survivors include a daughter, Sheila (Bob) DeWald of Otis, Kan; three sons, Charles “Chuck” (Pam) Smith of Buhler, Kan., Robert “Bobby” (Teresa) Smith of Lyons, Kan., and Kenny (Marti) Smith of Great Bend, Kan.; eight grandchildren: Lesley (Doug) Gaughan, Laura (Kevin) McCarter, Stacy (Chad) Volkman, Shadd (Trina) Smith, Troy (Alyssa) Smith, Melissa Smith, Tyler Smith, and Shane (Kit) Smith; fifteen great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Helen Deines of WaKeeney, Kan. She is preceded by her parents; a grandson, Cody Smith; a twin brother, Donald Deines; a sister, Eleanor Swank; and a daughter-in-law, Monika Smith.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Grace Community Church, 210 McKinley St., Great Bend, Kan., 67530, with Pastor Jay Beuoy presiding. Memorials have been designated to Meals on Wheels, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.