Donna Smid

Donna L. Smid

“Grandma Donna”

Age 78 of Wilmington, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

Born March 19, 1941 in Grant City, Missouri, Donna Lee was a daughter of Lester Earl and Mildred (Weddle) Thomas. She was a member of the Church of God in Wilmington and ran a daycare out of her home for 21 years before retiring. Through her daycare service, Donna had a tremendous impact on countless children throughout the community and surrounding area, and was known as “Grandma Donna” to many. In addition, Donna was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed reading. She had a devout faith to her Christianity and will be most remembered for her giving and selfless ways.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Tulley of Gardner; step-children: Joseph (Vicki) Smid of Des Moines, Iowa, Patricia Lewis of Morris, Greg Smid of Joliet, and Ryan Smid of Wilmington; six grandchildren: Douglas (Brittany) Pulaski, Valerie Pulaski, Jennifer Richards, David (Tiffany) Lewis, Jessica Smid and Alex Smid; (10) great grandchildren; one brother, Bill (Sharon) Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and families she had the privilege to be a part of during her years in daycare, including Julie Boland who was a tremendous blessing to Donna's family during recent years.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband Willis “Bill” Smid; son, Rick “Big Rick” Winter; step-son, Richard “Little Rick” Smid, and one sister, Carmeta (Forrest) Shields.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Monday, October 14, 2019 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Tuesday morning, October 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Donna will be laid to rest with her late husband, Bill.

Pallbearers will be: Linda Tulley, Douglas Pulaski, Danny Pulaski, Jennifer Richards, Valerie Pulaski and Brittany Pulaski.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Donna’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Donna’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Donna-Smid

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)