Nola Marita Smith

Nola Marita Smith was born July 15,1931, at Quinter Hospital, Gove County, Kansas, to Howard E. and Ruth Ina “Scott” McDonald. She died August 7, 2026, at the age of 95, at Tru Community Care Hospice, Longmont, Colorado.

Her family lived on W.T. McDonald’s farm (grandfather) until the age of five. Her father worked for a construction company and moved many times; she attended approximately 12 different elementary schools. Eventually the family moved to Gove, Kansas where she graduated from Gove High School in 1949.

Nola was united in marriage to Darrel R. Smith December 10, 1950, at Gove, KS, and from this union four children, who all survive her, were born; Dennis Ray (Maria) of Tucson, AZ; Jerry Wayne (Sharlea) of Dry Prong, LA; Craig (Debbie) of Green Valley, AZ; and Pamela Ruth (Martha) of Broomfield, CO.

She also leaves her brother, Merlyn McDonald, of Gove, KS, seven grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild as well as a host of nephews and nieces and friends to mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband who died July 16, 2012.

Nola and her husband lived on the Smith farm, Gove, KS, until 1956. They moved to Wichita, KS and then to Denver, CO in 1957, where they raised their children.

She was a devoted wife and a dedicated mother who enjoyed her bowling league, music, the Broomfield Healthy Hearts walking class, and her antique hobby where she met many friends.

She will be laid to rest in the Gove Cemetery.