Donna Kay Howdeshell
Donna Kay Smoot was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on September 15th, 1947 to Imogene and William Smoot. She married Larry G. Howdeshell on August 19th, 1967 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Donna and Larry had two sons, Larry Jr. and Dwight. A very dedicated mother, Donna spent many hours going to their sons’ school and athletic events. The family lived in Palatine, Illinois for a few years, and then relocated to Fenton, Missouri.
Donna worked in the insurance industry, retiring from Clark-Lami-Hembree in 2010. She enjoyed gardening, yard work, reading, crocheting afghans, scarves and hats for her family, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren: Jake, Lena, Joe, Megan, Kate, Riley, Madeleine, Annalise and James. Donna became Catholic in 2012. She died at home, surrounded by her family, on December 16th, 2015 after suffering from leptomeningeal metastases cancer.
She is preceded in death by her mother Imogene Thompson Smoot, her father William Smoot, and her brother Richard. She is survived by husband Larry, sons Larry Jr. and Dwight, daughters-in-law Amy and Angie, grandchildren Jake, Lena, Joe, Megan, Kate, Riley, Madeleine, Annalise and James, sisters Jackie, Ruth, Carol and one brother, Larry, numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~Washington Irving
Memorial Mass to be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Fenton, MO on Monday, January 4th, at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Friends of Kids with Cancer, 530 Maryville Centre Dr. Suite LL5, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 (314) 275-7440 www.friendsofkids.com
May Donnas soul rest in peace.Life well lived!
What a wonderful, joyful person Donna was. Our children loved her and we were all so grateful to have known her. We pray that God gives your family peace and comfort during this time.
We all have enjoyed Donna being in our family and always loved visiting with her she was fun to be around good mother grand mother and wife . We love you Donna
We didn’t get to see her often but when we did she was so pretty and proper!
God Bless you all.
we are so sorry for your loss. Donna will be missed. Larry i am so sorry for your loss. Prayer.from all of our family & kids Sherry & Dewayne Parrett.
Thanks for alot of great memories and many laughs. You were one strong lady with such a big heart. I love you very much Aunt Donna. Rest in peace.
Mr. Larry and Junior,
So sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your families.
God bless.
George
Larry and family,
I am so sad to hear this news! Donna was such a special lady! Please know that my heart aches with yours.
Jackie Gilbert
former coworker at CLH
Larry and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences to Larry, Dwight, Larry Sr. and the entire Howdeshell Family. Donna was a great Mom, Grandmother, Wife, Friend, and Hero whom we all loved and she leaves a great legacy behind to join her some day in heaven. God Bless, we will miss her greatly.
Dwight, Larry Sr, Jr, and all of the significant others and grandchildren… you’re in my families prayers and Donna is in my heart and many great memories forever. Love all of you guys! So sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.