Celebration of Life Services for Donna Faye Smith, 94, of Des Moines, will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Overton Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donna was one of six children born to Albert and Goldie (Downey) Flisher on December 8, 1929, in Grand River, Iowa. She loved her family and made it a point to always put her faith in the lord knowing he would always provide for her and her family and keep them safe.

Donna was a sight to behold in her youth, with the looks of a movie star, a mind as sharp as a tack and, as some would say, a stubborn streak that could test the patience of a saint. She made sure to pass that stubborn streak down to her children too.

Donna's first job was as a manager at Reids Ice Cream store, which she often spoke of as one of her favorite places. She later worked at the Woodward State Hospital. While working there she became an advocate for children and brought to light many things that needed to change in how the children were treated and she pushed for reform and showed love to every child she encountered there.

Donna loved spending time with her family, playing cards, especially the game Peanuts. She loved Morel mushrooms and fishing, but not the hunting of the mushrooms or the finding of the earth worms, she made sure to leave that part to her husband and kids. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always her favorite time of year, her home was always decorated to the nines, with the smell of fresh baked cookies and pies filling her home. Family Holidays spent in her home were special events to all her family and will forever be cherished memories.

Her passion for taking care of others, cooking, baking, creating memorable moments for her family and hosting family gatherings for multiple generations to attend were just a few of the things that made Donna so special to all those who loved her.

Donna is survived by her children, Goldie (Alan) Hokanson, Zack (Denise) Smith, Rod Smith, Deborah Miller and Christina (Eric) Beach; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; sister, Betty Fitzgerald and brother Donald Flisher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Zack Jr. Smith; parents, Albert and Goldie Flisher; siblings, Fern Allen, Lloyd Olson and Eugene Flisher.

Donna had two things she said often to her children and grandchildren, no matter how many times we may have all rolled our eyes and said, "we know mom", she never relented. As her family, we know she would want us to share them with all of you. The first, "Always give it to God, if it's meant to be he will show you the way". The second, "Take off those shoes and go wash your hands!". You will be missed greatly mom/grandma, but your joy, love, laughter, and kindness will live on in all those you left behind.

To sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.