By Melanie Tuttle
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
    • Service

      A graveside service will be held privately by the family.

    • Full Obituary

      Donna E. Rudd, 65, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, peacefully in her home.

      She was born on September 26, 1958, in East St. Louis, MO, to Donald and Wilma (nee Christopher) Smith.

      Donna was a caretaker all of her life, even before she devoted 45 years of her life to being a CNA. After 27 years of working as a CNA for Anderson Hospital she retired in 2020.

      Her family was her entire world, and when she wasn’t taking care of others at work, she made sure to take care of her friends and family at home. She loved to watch her sons race stock cars and go out to lunch with her co-workers. But most of all she adored being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren and grand-puppies. She loved to take her grandchildren to the movies, swimming, and on vacations; you couldn’t ask for a better grandma. She also loved to spoil her grand-puppies, Meco and Hank. She was a treasured mother, sister, grandmother, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Wilma Smith; son, Scott Ponder.

      Donna is survived by her children, Dennis (Kelley) Ponder, Aimee Ponder; daughters-in-law, Donna Ponder, Kasey Ponder; grandchildren, Devin, Daria, Kennedi, Kaden, Layne, Christian, Caleb; brothers, Michael (Karen) Smith, Larry (Trish) Smith; nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

      A graveside service will be held privately by the family.

      Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    10 Condolences
     
    1. Timmons Michelle / October 11, 2023 at 5:56 pm

      I’ve know Donna all my life, I work at Anderson Hospital with her for many years. Everyone knew Donna and loved her .. my thoughts and prayers are with her family. I’m in total shock she’s gone.

    2. Mary Bullard / October 11, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      I have known Donna since day 1. I will never forget how her dad cried when he got his little girl. He was my uncle. Every one will miss her so much but now she is with them and her Scotty.. Fly high dear cousin. i will never forget you. Maybe I will see you soon. Love you so much.

    3. Tami Smith / October 11, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      Donna was one person I could truly call a good friend. She was there with me when my mother passed away and together we cried. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, a true friend. She was the best grandma to all her grandchildren, and the best mom to Dennis, Scotty & Aimee. I will never forget her kindness. I will truly miss her.

    4. Jo Sander / October 11, 2023 at 7:57 pm

      So sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have had her in your lives . Nobody ever loved their family more than Donna . All her friends will miss her sense of humor and her willingness to help.

    5. John M. Stahura / October 11, 2023 at 11:07 pm

      So very sorry to hear about her passing..She was a beautiful lady and gracious and loving person.. She normally had a smile.. She doted over all her family. I can say I was proud and happy to be able to call her friend. She will be greatly missed.May God’s blessings be with your family at.this time and always

    6. Bill Yanousek / October 12, 2023 at 10:04 am

      Bill Yanousek. Remember Donna from Washington Ave. neighbor hood n her parents n brothers. Also talked with her at St Johns Cemetery thru the years Thoughts n Prayers with her family

    7. Sue Norbury / October 12, 2023 at 10:40 am

      So very sorry for your loss. Donna was one of CNAs assigned to my room when I had surgery in 2016. She also worked with my daughter at Anderson. I know how much you will miss her.

    8. Monica Richardson / October 12, 2023 at 11:30 am

      I’m so sorry she was an amazing friend/co worker. She will be truly missed.

    9. Dorothy / October 12, 2023 at 2:38 pm

      I am in total shock my friend.we just talked about getting together and catching up.
      We always had so much fun when we worked together when I worked at Anderson.. The food runs.. and you so loved the mini massages… The “ Mary Ann” stories… so many memories my friend..

    10. Aimee / July 13, 2024 at 4:07 am

      I miss you mom 💔

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