Donna “Joan” Smith, age 91, of Bowling Green, OH, was called home to be with the Lord & her dear husband Barney on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Manor of Greendale, Findlay, OH. She was born on December 22, 1931, in New Castle, PA, to Oscar and Margaret (Hensley) Whiteman. On July 7, 1959, she married Barney J. Smith in Clearwater, FL. Joan and Barney raised 7 children and celebrated over 60 years of marriage together before Barney’s passing in 2019.
Joan worked as a Home Heath Aid for the Wood County Health Department. She was known for her soft-spoken nature, love for chocolate candy, her humor and laugh as well as always putting the needs of her family before her own. She enjoyed camping, drives in the country, playing with her feline friend Harvey, and her shopping trips to Hobby Lobby and Goodwill where she would find inspiration and goodies for her home and for the gifts she would make or crochet for her beloved family. Joan also enjoyed old western movies and recently evenings watching the series Yellowstone.
Nevertheless, it was her large family and her time spent with them, especially her grandchildren, who brought her the most joy.
Joan is survived by her children: Jona (Norman) Bargerstock of WY, Linda (Joseph) Benschoter of Bowling Green, Wayne (Kelly) Smith of MO, Joel Smith of Circleville, Jill Strickler of Bowling Green, Joanna Smith of Bowling Green, and Christine (Jeff) Leathem of Findlay.
Grandchildren: Scott (Lindsay) Cole, Crystal Cole, Nicole (Brian) Conder, Wayne II Smith, Thomas (Abigail) Smith, Daniel (Chandler) Smith, Matthew (Tabby) Smith, Tyler (Alexandra) Thomas, Jordan (Kristen) Smith, Kayla Smith, Danielle Strickler, Sean (Sydney) Strickler, Kristin (Josh) Berfield, Michael White, Justin (Tommie) Bargerstock, Matthew Bargerstock, and 16 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Barney, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Doris Starks, and great-granddaughter, Skylar Berfield.
Joan will be laid to rest next to Barney at a private family committal service in Pemberville Union Cemetery. Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home in Pemberville is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials take the form of contributions to: The Wood County Department on Aging (Meals on Wheels). Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
