Donna Marie Smith was born on November 6, 1928, to Frank Edward Smith and Alta Marie (Olson) Smith in Madison County, Iowa. At an early age the Smith family moved to Norwalk. Donna attended Norwalk schools where she graduated in 1946. She married Harold Thomas on October 12, 1947. They had two son's John Edward Thomas and Steven Frank Thomas. Donna worked various jobs throughout her life including Norwalk Bank, Look Magazine, and the Iowa Diabetes Association. She worked hard as a homemaker where her time was filled with caring for her family, many activities at the Norwalk Christian Church, and her passion for quilting. Harold passed away in October of 1979.

Donna married William Carter on September 1, 1984 in Orlando, Florida, where they lived for a number of years. Bill and Donna moved back to Norwalk after Bill retired. Together they enjoyed many travels throughout the country in their motor home. Bill passed away in 2007.

In 2008 Donna moved to Regency Care Center in Norwalk where she especially enjoyed the musical entertainment,Church services, visits from friends and family, and the company of her cat Frisbee.

Donna died peacefully with her family by her side on January 16, 2018 at Regency Care Center. Donna will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother as well as a warm, thoughtful, Christian woman who was always smiling and helping others.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, brother Lawrence, sister Darlene and brother-in-law Gordon.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons John (Teri), Steve (Charlene), sister-in law Betty Graese, grandchildren Jimmy, Tari (Ben), Frank (Collette), Mark (Karen), and Maggie and great-grandchildren Jamen, Preston, Jadalyn, Melody and Lilly.

Family would like to thank the Regency Care Center and staff for taking care of Donna for the last ten years of her life.

Services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 23 at the Norwalk Christian Church. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, January 22 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Norwalk Christian Church.