At LaDonna’s request she wished to be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with the final expenses.

Memorials can be mailed to Stacy Christensen, PO Box 213, Bridgeport, NE, 69336; a GoFundMe account has also been set up: Honoring LaDonna [email protected].

LaDonna was born with a free spirit and love for others a mile wide, always loved taking care of others before herself. From a young age she loved nursing. Her aunt, Dora Higgins, was an RN and helped her find her calling for it. She started as a candy striper at the age of 14 at the Sidney nursing home, and from there became a CNA. She spent the last 36 years caring for almost 4 decades of elderly residents at the nursing home in Bridgeport, Nebraska, only retiring last year due to her health.

She loved her family, had a love of music, gardening, and caring for her Chihuahua clan. Her most favorite thing to do was make other people’s day, whether it be a phone call, hand-written cards, or a special thought-out gift. She had a knack for that. She will be missed by so many.

LaDonna is survived by her daughter and son, Stacy and Christopher Christensen of Bridgeport, NE; sister Dorene Schoolcraft (Bridgeport, NE); brother Don (Joni) Smith (Gering, NE); sister Judy (Guy) Coward (Scottsbluff, NE); and sisterTracy Jopek (Merrill,WI); nnumerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews; and her (ex) brother- in-law George Christensen (Hay Springs, NE).

She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Carrie Smith, her brother-in-law Jerry Schoolcraft, nephew Ryan Jopek, and ex-husband Harry Christensen. She had so many special family members and friends that are loved and missed.