Donna Smith

Donna M. Smith, 69, of Oakley died Sunday, Dec 9, 2012, at Logan County Hospital. She was born May 18, 1943 to John and Amelia Schroeder in Medina, ND. She was one of 10 children. After the death of her mother she was an orphan. She was seventeen when she came to Lincoln, NE. She worked at Alice’s Restaurant as a waitress. She attended Union College in Lincoln, NE. In 1964 Donna married Ron Brittenham, they were married 27 years. Together they had three children and seven grandchildren. While in Lincoln Donna worked as an executive assistant. Donna also owned and operated the Sharon motel. After their divorce Donna moved to Panama, NE. There she owned and operated BANNER HOUSE OF FABRICS. In 2002 Donna purchased the 1st Travel Inn in Oakley, KS. September 3, 2004 Donna married Jim Smith. Together they operated the motel and maintained rental property in Nebraska and Kansas. They sold the motel in 2009. Donna was aware she had terminal cancer but instead of retiring they started to Smoky River Quilt Shoppe in Oakley, KS. With the help of friends the quilt shop became a very successful business and a gathering place for the community. Donna passed her love for quilting to many in the area.

Survivors include her husband Jim Smith, Oakley, KS; two sons, Jeff Brittenham, Oakley, KS; Michael (Ann) Brittenham, Columbus, NE; a daughter, Melody (John) Hess, Fulshear, TX; stepson, Kelley Smith, Lincoln, NE; stepdaughter, Jennifer Clark, Greenwood, IN; four sisters, Lillian (Don) Hofman, Medina, ND, Sharon (Butch) Knorr, Yankton, SD, Carmen (Wade) Pexa, Arizona City, AZ and Marilyn (Philip) Ontriveors, Elk Grove Village, IL; brother, Gary (Jill) Schroeder, Huntsville, AL; sister in-law, Mariyl Oenbring, Bennet, NE; seven grandchildren and many friends who will miss her greatly.
Durning Donna’s hospital stay, family, loved ones and friends were able to say their goodbyes. After years of hard work may she rest in peace.

Cremation was chosen there will not be a memorial service.

Memorials may be sent to The Norman Yardley Memorial Cancer Fund in care of the Farmers State Bank, Oakley, KS. Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley is handling arrangements.