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Donna Lynn Smith Jenks

Donna Lynn Smith Jenks

Sep. 9, 1962 - Jul. 8, 2025

Date of Service: Jul. 22, 2025

Watch the Webcast Service Program

BURLEY – Donna Lynn Smith Jenks tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in her home, just moments after her beloved husband, Kelly.

Born on September 9, 1962, in Rupert, Idaho, Donna was the eldest of three children born to Meredith Robert Smith and Sharon Kay Morgan Smith. She attended schools in Burley, Idaho, and graduated from Burley High School in 1980.

In 1979, Donna met the love of her life, Kelly Jenks. Their connection was immediate, built on shared passions for fishing, camping, and being outdoors. They found joy in attending concerts, spending time with family and friends, and especially cherished their visits to the Oregon coast. Together, they enjoyed canning, and their salsa and grape jelly became family favorites. Donna was an avid baker, and took great joy in preparing cakes and desserts for those she loved.

Donna’s professional life was centered around caring for children. She briefly worked at the Playhouse Daycare, and when it closed, her mother opened the Small World Daycare, where Donna continued to work until it too closed. She then took on the role of paraprofessional at Mt. View Elementary, where she dedicated 20 years of service before retiring in 2022.

In 1993, Donna and Kelly were blessed with their beloved daughter, Jerica Lynn. Jerica was the light of their lives, and Donna and Kelly shared a deep love for the outdoors, teaching Jerica to hunt, fish, and camp. They also passed along their love for the ocean, creating cherished memories as a family.

Donna’s greatest joy arrived on March 21, 2024, when their long-awaited granddaughter, Adalee Lynn Harper, was born. Adalee brought an immeasurable amount of joy and was truly a blessing to Donna and Kelly.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Jerica (Alex) Harper; granddaughter, Adalee Lynn; her mother, Sharon Strunk; father, Meredith (Naydene) Smith; sisters, Wendy (David) Burling and Missy (Dallen) Cantrell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kelly; her grandparents, Smith and Jackson; her stepfather, JR Strunk; her stepbrother, Christian Strunk; her brother-in-law, Clint Smith; and her younger sister, Jolie Clegg.

A joint funeral for Donna and her husband, Kelly, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/Y2wx62l4n9o.

Condolences for Donna Lynn Smith Jenks

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Mindy Hale:
Donna was such a kind person. I got to know her while working at Mountain View Elementary with her. She always greeted me with a smile and Hi, how are you! So sorry for your loss! She will be missed!
From Kathie and Rick Brown:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Our children also had the best care by Donna, and her family. May God comfort you all.
From Mary Poole :
My heart goes out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss!! May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Mary and Harold Poole
From Sherrie Martin :
Such a tragedy. Prays to everyone. May all find peace.
From Terry Pickett :
My Deepest Condolences to the entire family.
From Angie Salon 505:
May they RIP, & my most sincere and deepest condolences to their loved ones. So sorry.
From Dan and Terrie Shockey family :
Our deepest condolences Sharon and family. We were blessed to have you, Donna and Jolie take care of our kids at
Small World with loving kindness. Praying for your comfort and peace.
God Bless
From Dan and Terrie Shockey family :
Our deepest condolences Sharon and family. We were blessed to have you, Donna and Jolie take care of our kids at
Small World with loving kindness. Praying for your comfort and peace.
God Bless
From Mary Lou McFarland :
With deepest sympathy for the loss of such a kind person.
From Paula M shockey:
They were 2 of the best people I have ever met. So sorry for your loss.
From Pamela Jenks:
Sharon & family, So sad to hear about your parents. The Lord knows your deep sorrows, and I hope faith in Jesus Christ supports you! We'll keep you in our prayers.
From Gannon L. Fenner :
My deepest condolences to the Jenks Family, during this time.
From Mary Zarybnisky:
Our sons attended Small World Preschool where they really enjoyed learning from Donna and the rest of the ladies. She was a very kind and patient individual. In the over 40 years we've known her, we rarely saw her without her beautiful smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and the rest of Donna's family.
From Rashmi Dimond:
This is so sad. I remember her and her husband coming through my line at Smiths. My older boys also remember her from Mountain View Elementary. They were always so kind and we shared laughs because our outgoing personalities matched. I am so sorry for their family left to suffer this unimaginable pain.
From Kerry and Suzan Taylor:
Sharon
Our deepest sympathies for you and your family.
From Karen Ferrenburg :
So sorry for your loss Sharon and Family I will be praying and thinking of you all
From Michael Zarybnisky :
Sorry for your loss Sharon.
From Cathy N Ingalls:
Prayers for the families..
From Carol Warr:
Donna and her family took care of my boys at Small World Preschool. She was so caring and our boys loved her. Prayers to Sharon and her family.
From Erin Laws:
Donna was an amazing woman.
I had the privilege of working with her during my first two years of teaching, and I learned so much from her during that time. She was kind, wise, and always supportive. It was devastating to hear of her passing. My heart goes out to her daughter and the rest of her family during this incredibly difficult time.
From Norell:
Donna was one of the kindest women I have worked with at the school district. This is a shocking tragedy to me, her family, friends, and our community. She will be missed!
From Janay Robinson:
Sending my deepest condolences. Donna was very kind and will be missed.

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