LaDonna Jean (Smith) Salyer, 82, of Salina, passed away January 21, 2019.  LaDonna was born on January 19, 1937 in Salina, Kansas to George William Smith and Lillian Dorothy (Johnson) Smith.

LaDonna graduated from Salina High School in 1955. She received a BA from Marymount College in 1971 and then taught for 2 years in Overland Park, Kansas.

She returned to Salina as a teacher and later earned an MS in Education from KU in 1976. After serving for over 30 years as a Learning Disabilities teacher in the Salina School District, she retired in 2013.

LaDonna was married in April 1963, to Sgt. Stanley Salyer, who was a casualty a year later in the Vietnam War during a search mission.

LaDonna is survived by her brother Dan Smith and his wife, Barbara, a nephew Darren Smith and niece Paula Quarles, who all reside in California.

LaDonna  lived her last 5 years at Presbyterian Manor  in Salina. Cremation has taken place and a family graveside service will be held in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salina Presbyterian Manor, Good Samaritan Program in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street,  Salina, Kansas.