Bethany, MO: Donna Fish, 87, Bethany, MO (formerly of Martinsville, MO) passed away Friday, March 29, 2024 at Harrison County Community Hospital.
She was born November 21, 1936 near Martinsville, MO. She was the daughter of Ira M. and Artie Marie (Smith) Smith.
She graduated from Martinsville High School in 1954 and kept in touch with her classmates until her death.
On June 17, 1956, she married Donald L. Gard near Martinsville, MO. To this union four children were born, Paul Lynn, Annette Lucille, Alan Lee, and Lori Lea. While Don was in the Air Force, they lived in California and Nebraska before making their home on a farm in Washington Center, MO. They owned and operated Gard’s Grocery & Feed from January 1976 until July 1986. It was the social center of Martinsville, MO where people came to visit and shop. Donna was an avid seamstress and worked at cap factories in Grant City, Stanberry, and Bethany, MO. She made beautiful quilts by hand for her four children and eight grandchildren. She was a perfectionist and put love in every stitch. She enjoyed being active in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She attended Wesley Chapel Church and after moving to Bethany she became an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church, attending the United Methodist Women’s group. She had two favorite dogs, Penny and Missy.
After Don’s death, she married Clayton Fish at the pastor’s house near Martinsville, MO on December 10, 1994. They lived on a farm near Martinsville, MO, and later moved to Bethany, MO. They enjoyed many years traveling and visiting their family. He was quickly welcomed into the Gard family. He preceded her in death on November 21, 2007.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Artie Smith, husband Donald L. Gard, husband Clayton Fish, sister Dixie Nichols, and brother-in-law Harold Nichols. Survivors include her children Paul (Lesa) Gard, Bethany, MO, Annette (Steve) Findley, Pensacola, FL, Alan Gard, Trenton, MO, and Lori (Kurt Huber) Marsh, Urbandale, IA. Granddaughters include Angela (Daniel) Compton, Stacy (Mike Nodwell) Findley, Amber Findley, Pam (Chad) King, Shelby (Corey) Warren, Adreanna (Okla) Fitzpatrick, Ashley Marsh, and only grandson Derek Marsh. Great grandchildren include Grant King, Ellee Krenz, Avery Krenz, Myles Rowan, Lukas Wood, Isaac Warren, Harper Compton, Kinley Fitzpatrick, Henry Fitzpatrick, Hudson Compton, and Timothy Fitzpatrick. Her siblings include Jerry (Marilyn) Smith and Joan (Johnny) Beals. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephew, and great-great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Bethany, MO and/or Antioch Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home P.O. Box 46 Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at: www.robersonfuneralhome.com