Donna Ethel Smith

Donna Ethel Smith, 98, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Lafayette Pointe Nursing Home. She was born April 12, 1928 in Girard, Ohio to parents Charles and Eunice (Cole) Plotner.

Donna was a 1946 graduate from the American School Foundation of Monterey, Mexico where she lived with her family while her father's expertise working with steel was internationally sought.

After returning to Canton, she worked as a telephone operator for Ohio Bell, greeting members of the community by connecting phone and party lines before starting a family. Once Donna's family was established in Coshocton, she returned to work as a testing lab specialist, where she expertly reviewed fabrics for a variety of applications (including military contracts) at Buckeye Fabric until her retirement in 1991.

She married John Smith September 18, 1948 in Canton, OH. During their 66 year marriage, they traveled to all 50 states as well as 35 countries, collecting new friends, a deeper appreciation of culture, meeting life head-on, and returning to their family to regale them with stories of their adventures.

Donna was an adult lifetime member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Coshocton. To expand her world, she was a voracious reader with a particular interest in reading biographies for a glimpse into how other people lived.

She is survived by her children Charles (Patricia) of Coshocton, Jeffrey (Carol) of Colorado, and David (Bunni) of Somerset; grandchildren Tara, Nathan, Braden, Heather, Larissa, and Alexander; great grandchildren Eliza, Sophie, Lily, Rebecca, Carter, Jack, and Oliver. She was preceded in death by her husband John; sisters LaVonne, Wanda (identical twin), Joan, and Charlene.

Calling hours will be held at the Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St. Coshocton, OH 43812 on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm with one hour prior at the church. Funeral services for Donna will be held on Friday at 11:00am at The Presbyterian Church, 142 N 4th St, Coshocton, OH 43812 with Pastor Mark Unrue officiating. Burial will follow at South Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be directed towards Ohio Lifecare Hospice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.