Donna J. Smith, age 81 of Cozad, passed away May 7, 2012 at the Golden Living Care Center in Cozad.

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

On December 7, 1949, Donna married her long-time schoolmate, neighbor and love of her life, Raymond Smith at Lexington.  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 3 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.

Memorials are suggested to the Parkview United Methodist Church in her memory.  Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Raymond of Cozad; her 2 sons, Doug (Carolyn) Smith of Cozad, Dan (Kaleigh) Smith of Grand Island; daughter, Cheryl (Bert) Keller of Eustis; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastors Doug Smith & Jaime Farias officiating.  Burial will be in the Cozad Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.