Gloria Smith
Gloria Jean (Eng) Smith, 79, of Merna, Neb., passed away peacefully Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Callaway District Hospital in Callaway surrounded by her loved ones.
Gloria was born Oct. 2, 1944, to Georg and Minnie (Schomburg)
Eng in Seward. Georg and Minnie moved to Merna when Gloria was very young, establishing Eng’s Tavern. Georg and Minnie later welcomed daughter Connie and son Gary. Gloria attended Merna Schools.
On Feb. 12, 1967, Gloria was united in marriage to Danny Smith. To this union, four children were born - Cynthia, Devin, Stephanie and Dustin.
Danny and Gloria lived in various places in Nebraska moving to North Platte in 1971, to Gering in 1979 and returning to Merna in 1984.
Gloria was once a volunteer at the hospital in Scottsbluff, a member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Gering, the Merna Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Mixin Mamas. Gloria enjoyed crafting, sewing, collecting large rocks and floral arranging.
Gloria was very passionate about supporting any sport that her children or grandchildren participated in, traveling and attending many games around the country. She was most likely the loudest fan in the crowd!
Gloria worked several times at Becton-Dickenson over the years and was a homemaker, wife and mother.
Gloria is survived by her husband of 57 years Danny Smith of Merna; children Cynthia (Bobby Myers) Huhman of Merna, Devin (Michelle) Smith of Seward, Stephanie McIntosh of Broken Bow, Dustin (Keri) Smith of Utah and daughterin-law Nancy Smith of Edgemont, S.D.; grandchildren Ryan (JaLisa) Province, Brittany (Zach McAlevy) Province,
Reece Huhman, Bethany Huhman, Timmy Myers, Elijah (Kara) Smith, Addison Smith, Jacob McIntosh, Georgiee and Graciee Smith, Brandon Smith and Kara Smith; three great grandchildren Ryker Province, Delilah Toof and Alayna McAlevy; brother, Gary (Lisa) Eng; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister Connie; inlaws Darrel “Hoss” and Ruth Smith; and brothers-in-law Mike Smith and Dennis Smith.
Funeral services were Monday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary; burial was in the Merna Cemetery. A lunch followed services at the Merna Community Center.
Visitation was Sunday, May 5, from 1-6 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Govier Brothers in Broken Bow.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Anselmo-Merna Athletic Department.
Govier Brothers was in charge of arrangements.