Donna Ellen Smith, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 8, 2019, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, Minnesota. Donna was born to Beulla (Schultz) and Richard Tibbits on May 3, 1932. Donna attended grade school in Porter, Minnesota and completed high school in Canby, Minnesota. She married Arlen Johnson in August 1957. They moved to San Jose, California where Arlen and Donna had two daughters Debra and Sandra. After moving to Sauk Rapids, Minnesota their third daughter Karen was born. Career advancements brought them to Rochester, Minnesota where son Jim was born. Arlen and Donna divorced in 1978 after 21 years of marriage. Donna worked at various jobs in her life but the one she was most known for was her work at Malco Tools. In 1984 Donna married Rulon Gar Smith in Annandale. Donna and Gar wintered in Arizona and spent summers at their cabin on Lake Francis in South Haven. After having some health problems they decided to keep permanent residence in South Haven. Donna enjoyed gardening, playing cards, nature and more than anything her family. She also enjoyed listening to old hymns. Most importantly Donna loved the Lord! Donna is survived by her husband, Gar of 35 years; children, Debra Engelman (Russ) of Annandale, Sandra Landwehr (Jim) of St Cloud, Karen Hedlund (Thad) of Kimball, Jim Johnson (Julie) of Pella, Iowa; stepchildren, Mecque Smith of Arizona; Rulon Smith of Arizona, Lissa Butricks of Arizona; siblings, Rolland Tibbits (Darlene) of Arizona, Arlene Leuders (Dave) of Canby, Minnesota, Dora Hellerud of Mazeppa, Minnesota, Bob Tibbits of Glencoe, Minnesota and Russ Tibbits (DeeDee) of Michigan. Donna has 12 loving grandchildren, Melissa, Justin, Amie, Zach, Matthew, Nicole, Brannon, Heather, Jesse, Brittany, Seth, and Cecily; eight great-grandchildren, Haley, Brooke, Noah, Nora, Issac, Elsie, Ezra and Greta; six step grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother Dick; sister, Gwen; sister-in-law, Sandra; and brother-in-law, Gale. The family wants to thank Hilltop Care Center for their wonderful staff and Centracare Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Hilltop Care Center, 410 Luella St, Watkins, Minnesota 55389. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Hilltop Care Center.
Donna E. Smith
