Deborah Lee Smith

Deborah Lee Smith went to walk with the Lord on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, while surrounded by family. Celebration of Life Services for Deb, 69, of Indianola, Iowa, will be held 2 p.m., Friday, February 14th at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m., at the funeral home.
Deb is survived by her husband, Doug Wahl; children, Matt (Jen) Smith; grandchildren, Addison Smith, Leila Smith, Evie Smith, Henry Smith; siblings, Holly Harward, Mark (Angela) Harward, Susan Harward; uncles Bill (Linda) Briggs, John Briggs; nieces and nephews, Zachary Harward, Josh Ross, Jacob Ross, Ruth Schwendinger, Anna Ross; and many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her son Wayne Smith and her parents Bob and Mary Harward.
Deb was born at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. As a military child, Deb lived in several places during early childhood but called Fairfield, Iowa her home, until she graduated high school. Deb was an accomplished student, graduating high school early and entering college as a sophomore. Deb attended the University of Iowa, and shortly after began her career working at The Banker's Life in Des Moines, achieving success as an expert in insurance and retirement operations, while devotedly taking care of her family and raising her sons.
Deb married the love of her life, Doug, twenty-four years ago. Early in their relationship they loved camping and fishing, were always prolific readers, and enjoyed collaborating on recipes. In recent years, Doug was Deb's caretaker and positivity, and love was always on full display. Kindness and love were ever-present with Deb. No one left their home without receiving a smile, a hug and a warm meal.
Deb had diverse interests and loved fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, reading, bird watching, mushroom hunting, painting, crocheting, Iowa Hawkeye and Pittsburgh Steeler football. She took every opportunity to make holidays and special occasions truly special for her family, children and grandchildren. Her love filled our hearts with Joy.
The family offers heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Methodist Hospital, Dr. Tom Martin at Iowa Digestive Disease, Wesley Life Care, Dr. Jeff Butler and many more neighbors and friends who supported Deb in life.
Memorials may be given in her name to the National Audubon Society.