Ladonna Ann (Eaton) Smith

OREGON - It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ladonna (Eaton) Smith, who died peacefully in her home in the Town of Dunn, Wis., on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the age of 67. She was born in Kokomo, Ind., on Aug. 3, 1956, the daughter of Robert Lyle Eaton and Marilyn Ann (Denman) Eaton.

Ladonna grew up in Jonesboro, Ind., and attended nearby Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Ind., where she graduated in 1974. She had always been interested in rocks and minerals and chose to study Earth Science at DePauw University, earning her B.S. degree in 1978. It was at DePauw where she met the love of her life and future husband, Paul Douglas Smith. They were joined in marriage in Marion, Ind., on March 31, 1979. She worked for Bowser-Morner as a geologist for several years, after which she stayed at home to raise her children. She was a wonderfully patient and loving mother and later, a doting grandmother.

Ladonna loved plants and the outdoors and maintained their property with beautiful flowers, native plantings, a large garden, and a small orchard. She enjoyed sharing her bountiful harvests with family and friends. She also enjoyed reading, baking (especially pies and brownies), kayaking, attending UW volleyball and basketball games, researching her family genealogy, and traveling with her family. One of her favorite places was the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands.

She was an active member at People’s United Methodist Church in Oregon, Wis., where she helped lead the Wednesday Night Supper Ministry, prepared food for many funerals, and was a member of the Martha Circle. For many years, Ladonna served as a poll worker for the Town of Dunn.

Ladonna had a loving, compassionate nature and found great joy in helping others. She has been described by her friends as strong, a beautiful soul, a wonderful lady, amazing, a kind and attentive neighbor, and a wise woman of many talents who was beloved by her family and friends.

Ladonna will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Paul; her three children, Melissa (Craig) Jacobson, Laura (Christopher) Patrick, and David Smith; five grandsons, Erik and Theodore Jacobson (sons of Melissa and Craig Jacobson); and Caleb, Elijah, and Jonah Patrick (sons of Laura and Chris Patrick); brothers, John (Lynda) Eaton and David (Janice) Eaton; nieces and nephews, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at PEOPLE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 103 N. Alpine Parkway, Oregon, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. 2024, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, and also from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wednesday Night Supper Ministry at People’s United Methodist Church. To make a donation, go to the church website at https://www.peoplesumc.org/ and click on the “Give” button on the lower right of the opening page. Pick “other” for “fund” and type “Ladonna Smith memorial gift.”  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515