Donna Cheryl Donaldson Schmidt, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on February 22, 2015.
She was born in Neosho on April 22nd, 1944 to Jack and Marjorie (Jay) Donaldson. Donna had a lifelong passion for learning. She graduated from Neosho High School in 1962. In 1966, Donna became a member of the first graduating class from Crowder College in Neosho. Donna attended the University of Missouri – Columbia for two years before transferring to Central Methodist University, where she earned her Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Education. To further pursue her love for learning, Donna went on to earn a Masters degree in Library Science from Eastern Illinois University in 1972. Donna began her 35-year career as an educator at Westview Elementary School, teaching kindergarten and serving as the school librarian. She expanded to teaching elementary level history, which fit well with her love for American and world history. From 1999 until her 2011 retirement, Donna served as an elementary school librarian across the Joplin School District. Donna loved life and surrounded herself with art, music, movies, animals and nature. She enjoyed traveling both in the U.S. and abroad, including international trips to the Caribbean Coast, Belgium, and cruising to countries across the Baltic Sea. An avid reader, skilled artist, dedicated crossword puzzler, and master board game player, she challenged us all to learn new perspectives, explore our world and unleash our inner creativity. Donna is a member of the Belfast Church of Christ. She was loved and will be greatly missed.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Dr. Susan Schmidt of Edmond, OK; her mother Marjorie Donaldson of Neosho; sister Jackie Begey of Neosho; nephews, Todd Begey, Jason Begey, and Travis Creswell; nieces, Katy Roger and Molly Wyss; great-nephews, Troy Begey, J.T. Creswell and Sebastian Roger; and great-nieces, Carman Creswell and Elise Montgomery. She is also survived by step-niece Michelle Begey, step-great-nephew Ethan Reil, and close friends Beth Gaither and Sharon Winchester. Donna was preceded in death by her father, Jack Donaldson and sister, Janet Creswell.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 27, 2015, at Clark Chapel of Memories, Neosho.
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