Donna Hope Betasso Smith, 86, of Centennial, Wyoming, died on July 29, 2017 in Laramie. Born on Aug. 2, 1930 in Boulder, Colorado, she was a loving wife and mother as well as a dedicated career woman known for her beauty, playful sense of humor and gregarious personality.
Donna grew up in Boulder and graduated from Boulder High School in 1948, where she was named Miss Merry Christmas, one of the community’s top honors for a high school senior girl. She worked in advertising at the Boulder Daily Camera while she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with a journalism degree in 1952.
Donna moved to Cheyenne in 1952, becoming the only woman in the advertising department at the Cheyenne Tribune Eagle. In 1958 she married Franklin James Smith, a detective on the Cheyenne Police Force who later became an attorney, and continued her career in the media as they raised three children in Cheyenne.
Donna was the host of Cheyenne Today, a talk radio show on KFBC and later hosted a television talk show on what is now KGWN. She served on the Laramie County Community College Board of Trustees and owned a public relations and advertising firm. Other highlights of her career included writing a weekly humorous column called Etc. for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle and teaching classes in public relations and advertising at the University of Wyoming. She was an active member and leader in the Wyoming Press Women’s Association, Quota Club and the American Cancer Society.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Bonnie Betasso; and two sisters: Garry Lowe of Denver, Colorado, and Betty Ray Lesch of Carson City, Nevada. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Franklin Smith; three children, Christine Schulman of Portland, Oregon, Todd Smith of Saratoga, Wyoming, and Dana Smith of Denver, Colorado; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Our condolences, Frank, Christine, Todd and Dana It was a real pleasure having Donna as part of our lives Pete and Jo P.
Dear Frank and family. So very sorry to read about Donna's passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Donna was a wonderful woman and a mentor when I first moved to Cheyenne more than 20 years ago. She generously gave her time and friendship. I am warmed thinking about her beautiful smile and the delightful stories she would share during our lunch dates so long ago. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Dear Franklin, Christine, Todd , Dana & families I will always remember your Donna's life of sparkle! May your memories of happy times together bring the peace that comes from knowing Donna made such a difference with her love, career, and dedication to what was important to her. Just know, please, I am thinking of you all, and my wish for you all is the comfort that comes from knowing of her love of life.
I have fond memories of working with Donne, she was talented and possessed a great personality. Donna will live on in our memory. Rest in peace.
Donna was a 2nd mother to my late wife. We visited her often over the years and after she was ill. My condolences to Frank, Christine, and the rest of the family. I hope she and Debbie are catching up.
Donna was a beautiful lady inside and out. I always enjoyed visiting with her. Our condolences to the family.
Donna was a great lady and a great friend to me when we were neighbors in Centennial. We will miss her smile, sense of fun, her cooking, and especially her laugh. Our thoughts are with her entire family. As difficult as her passing is for the rest of us, she is now at peace.