Linda “Diane” McDonald Smiley, 77, of Elkton, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville surrounded by her family that she loved dearly. Mrs. Smiley was born August 10, 1947, in Harrisonburg, VA and was the daughter of the late Lathan Eugene and Stella Marie Dean McDonald.

Diane was raised in Elkton and graduated from Elkton High School in 1965. Following graduation, she worked at GE in Waynesboro. She then began a career spanning 30 years as an operator with Merck & Co., retiring in 2011. In Diane’s earlier days, she enjoyed driving around in her 1968 sharp looking yellow GTO with her friends cruising around town, hanging out at Tastee Freeze and going to the movies. She also loved Elvis Presley and even had a ticket to his last show. Diane had the biggest, kindest and giving heart and was the sweetest soul. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, and no one had a bad word to say about her. Diane cherished her grand dogs and her beloved Beagle Missy who she spoiled with daily brushings, an abundance of treats and tons of love until Missy passed. Diane was the best memaw and her pride and joy were her grandsons, and she loved spending time with them. She enjoyed camping and trips to the beach with her family until her health declined.

On November 30, 1968, she married Donald Lee Smiley who preceded her in death on February 22, 2022. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Larry E. Smiley.

Diane is survived by two daughters, Pamela Meadows and husband, Tony of Elkton, and Autumn Bird and husband, Chuck of Swoope; two sisters, Joyce Turner and husband, Billy, and Sandy Hammer and husband, Larry; two brothers, Steve McDonald and wife, Debbie, and A. Wayne McDonald and wife, Jeanie, all of Elkton; and two grandchildren, Caleb Meadows and Colton Bird.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg, with Frank Meadows officiating.