Donna M Christy

Donalee Mary (Smith) Christy, 85, passed on April 26th, 2023 at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Altoona, Iowa.

“Donna” as she was affectionately known, was born August 7th, 1937, in Gilmore City, Iowa to Clete and Newell Smith.

Donna graduated Gilmore City High School in 1956. She then went on to Briar Cliff College, graduating with a teaching certificate in 1958. On August 16th, 1958, Donna married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Christy, from Humbolt, Iowa. They had 5 children known as “the 5 J’s” - Jill, Jeff, Julie, Joel and Jana.

Bob and Donna enjoyed attending their children’s activities and in later years, their grandchildren’s activities.  After becoming empty nesters, they could be found swinging, stomping and line dancing to country music.  Throughout their 63 years of marriage, they landed in the states of Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Colorado.

Donna will be remembered as a loving mother who adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She was active in the Creston PTA, Union County Politics, and all Creston High School athletics and activities.  She took great pride in the fact that each of her 5J’s graduated from Creston High School and went forward with education resulting in higher degrees. Donna enjoyed playing the piano, caring for her numerous plants, and reading.  Always an active spiritual member of her community, she was a devout Catholic.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents Clete and Newell Smith.  Her beloved husband, Bob, passed away in September 2021.

Donna is survived by her 5 children: Jill (Katie), Jeff (Jill), Julie (Scott), Joel (Deborah) and Jana (Chris); and 15 grandchildren: J’Lee, J’Nai, Karson (Jill); Jessica, Joelle, Jeffrey (Jeff); Drew, Jeremy, Mesa (Julie); Davis, Taryn (Joel); Zack, Dawson, Grace, Vivian (Jana); great- grandchild: Jacey (Jessica). She is survived by the following siblings: Bill Smith and Judy Fleming.

The family would like to thank the staff of Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their attentiveness and compassion.

The funeral service for friends and family will be held at St. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue in Altoona, Iowa at 10:30am on May 8th, 2023. The burial service will follow at Coon Rapids Cemetery at 3pm. All Are Welcome!