Dana Smith

Dana Jo Smith, known affectionately as Dana Jo, to all who had the pleasure of crossing her path, embarked on her final adventure on January 31, 2024. Born in the humble beginnings of Iowa City, IA, on September 18, 1941, to the late William Edward Roberts and Cynthia Jo (Hougland) Roberts, Dana Jo was a force of nature—a hurricane in cowgirl boots, if you will. Her untimely departure was due to an epic last showdown as the notorious Junkyard DOG, (aka Dana Jo) and she passed away in Buffalo, IA, leaving a legacy as enduring as her spirit.

A self-taught renegade of resilience, Dana Jo often remarked she "sorta raised herself," but it was clear that her dad kept her rooted, ensuring there was always food on the table and a pony under her. She was the original troublemaker—and proud of it—once getting expelled from school because her pony decided to treat the football field like its personal bathroom. Her antics didn’t stop there; Dana Jo made a habit of running away from Villa De Chantal (a seven-time runaway record that still stands!), always returning to her beloved Iowa City because no distance was too great, when horses called her home.

Dana Jo's work ethic was as robust as her love for animals. She broke the mold as the first female tank inspector in Europe with the Defense Supply Agency- Naval Reserve Training Center and the Arsenal in Rock Island, making more tracks overseas than a Beatles tour. Back stateside, she served the Buffalo city council with a tenure that spanned over a decade and invested half a century into making Scott County a better place, from inspiring environmental hero, Chad Pegracke to persevere in his aquatic conservancy, to ensuring the Chicago Cubs scored a win, with a little "goat luck."

Living at her Tuf-A-Nuf Stable, Dana Jo was a true horsewoman, a title that just might be the understatement of the century. The sight of Dana Jo leading parades, once even twice, atop her trusty steed became the stuff of legend in Blue Grass, Iowa. Moreover, her saddle was a relic signed by luminaries—Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Loretta Lynn, and Roy Rogers among many others. Her passion extended to the raucous and the rambunctious youths of the 4-H Horse Club "Midnight Express," where she fostered a spirit of inclusivity, encouraging everyone to find their place, whether in boots or boogying to country-western beats on stage.

Her zest for life extended to bringing joy to others through petting zoos, goat milking tutorials, chariot races (yes, you read that right), and pony rides. Dana Jo turned every event into a memorable spectacle and left an impression that endured longer than the longest ponytail at a hair show.

As for her spirit, adventurous doesn’t quite do justice to a woman who once said, "If life gives you lemons, add vodka and throw a party." It was this spirited, loving, and undeniably adventurous soul that left a mark on all.

Dana Jo leaves behind a rodeo of loved ones, including her loving sons Randy, Ricky (Heather), Rowdy Jo; her cherished grandchildren Jessica (Jimmy), Kendra (Dustin), Jacob (Cheyenne) and Cydnee; her cherished brigade of 17 great-grandchildren; to many to name. Her brothers, the steadfast Dave and Edward. And many more dear friends and family members, you know who you are!

In the true style of a comedian, it seems fitting to channel the humor of the great Robin Williams who once said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Dana Jo not only harnessed that spark but blazed a trail of laughter and mayhem, touching the lives of all who were lucky enough to bask in her wild fire.

As the curtains close on the spectacular stage of Dana Jo's life, we bid farewell to a woman who lived more lives than a barn full of cats and did so with a twinkle in her eye that could guide ships home in the foggiest of nights. Ride on, Dana Jo, ride on!

*To the residence of Buffalo, thank you for loving my grandma like your own! To Officer “TJ” you were by far, her favorite, Buffalo police officer.
To all her neighbors who’ve had their flowers stolen by the goats, we’re sorry! To the ones that were lucky enough to find farm fresh butt nuggets in your yard, courtesy of the chickens, you’re welcome! To anyone that was lucky enough to find, fresh mountains of evergreen poop, think of it as, priceless fertilizer!
You may not know it yet, but you’re gonna miss, this crazy ol’lady!

A Memorial/Celebration of life will be held at the Buffalo community center on Friday Feb 9th. From 4pm to 7pm. There will be some food provided, if you wanted to bring your favorite sweet treat to share you are more than welcome.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on her Memory Wall at mvcremation.com.