Donna J. Smith, 81, of Cozad, Nebraska, died May 7th, 2012, at the Golden LivingCenter in Cozad.

Donna was born August 27th, 1930, at Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Levi and Lillian (Nelsen) Jordan. Donna graduated from Cozad High School in 1948.

On December 7th, 1949, Donna married her long-time schoolmate, neighbor and love of her life, Raymond Smith at Lexington, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Cozad together briefly and then in 1950, Ray was inducted into the U.S. Army. He returned to Donna following his discharge in 1952 and the couple resided together in Cozad for the rest of their married lives. Their union was blessed with three children, Doug, Dan and Cheryl. Donna was a fixture at First Bank and Trust in Cozad for nearly 30 years.

Donna found great fulfillment in relationships throughout her life. She was sustained through her relationship with God, with her family and with her friends. She was active for many years in the Parkview United Methodist Church, where she was a mainstay for many years. Donna loved spending time with family and friends, often over a cup of coffee or a game of Bridge. She spent many cherished moments with her children and grandchildren camping and going on nature-walks. She loved to dance and she always had a special affinity for cardinals.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Raymond of Cozad; her two sons, Doug (Carolyn) Smith of Cozad, Dan (Kaleigh) Smith of Grand Island, Nebraska; daughter, Cheryl (Bert) Keller of Eustis, Nebraska; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Friday, May 11th, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastors Doug Smith and Jaime Farias officiating. Burial was in the Cozad Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Parkview United Methodist Church in her memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.    
Berryman Funeral Home of Cozad was in charge of arrangements.