Donna was born January 12, 1947 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, a daughter of Roy James and Ruth Evelyn (Oliphant) Martin. Donna grew up in Cleveland, MO, and was a 1964 graduate of Cass Midway High School, also in Cleveland, MO. She lived in Archie, MO, for 30 years before moving to Harrisonville. Donna was united in marriage to Robert Lewis Schmidt on January 23, 1965 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville. To this union, two children were born: Sandy (Schmidt) Wurst and Jennifer Lynn Schmidt.
Donna’s first job out of high school was with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance Company. She later entered the banking business where was the worked for Citizens National Bank, Commerce Bank and finally the Archie State Bank. She took some time off to care for her family and drove a school bus part-time to keep herself busy. Donna’s last post was becoming the Deputy Collector for the Cass County Missouri Collectors Office in Harrisonville for 23 years. Over the years, Donna developed numerous relationships and enjoyed working with the public. She enjoyed being involved with her community as much as possible.
Upon retirement in 2012, Donna gave of her time to various volunteer opportunities. She served as a volunteer for the gift shop at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville and was a member of the VFW Post 4409 Ladies Auxiliary. Donna also volunteered at a local Bar-B-Que contest as a judge and became hooked. She went on to earn her KC Master level Bar-B-Que judge status and traveled frequently to contests around the state. Donna was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville.
Donna was the matriarch of the family; spending time with family was important, and she strived to get together as often as possible. Weekend trips to the lake, family vacations or just an informal meeting for eating and social gathering. She loved her grandchildren and made every effort to attend as many of their activities as possible. Her passion and joy for her family was evident when she had the chance to share with others how proud she was of their accomplishments.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Roy James and Ruth Evelyn (Oliphant) Martin. She is survived by her husband, Robert Schmidt, Harrisonville, MO; two daughters: Sandy and her husband, Jon Wurst, Aurora, Colorado; and Jennifer Schmidt, Harrisonville, MO; a sister, Shirley Ray, Harrisonville, MO; and three grandchildren: Christian Sipple, Harley Sipple, and Brandan Wurst.
