Vera M. Smith

Vera M. Smith, 88, of Hastings, NE died on March 27, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society Perkins Pavilion in Hastings. Memorial services will be at First Christian Church of Hastings on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Elba Iris Nazario officiating. There will be no visitation or viewing. Apfel Funeral Home is in care of the family.

Vera Monet Searle Gentry Smith was born on May 20, 1935, to Charles and Inza (Bartlett) Searle in Riverview, NE. She graduated from Harvard High School in 1953 and received her Teachers Certificate from Hastings College.

She was united in marriage to Delbert Gentry in May 1956. Delbert died in May of 1962. In May of 1965 she was married to Robert Smith. She worked in sales at Schwesers, Montgomery Wards, Cornell’s Office Supplies, and Mervyn’s. She volunteered over 5000 hours to the Navy and Marine Relief Society and volunteered at the Good Samaritan Bargain Store.

She enjoyed crocheting, golfing, going to garage sales and spending time with friends and family. She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W and Legion Auxiliary. She was a member of First Christian Church of Hastings.

She is survived by her sons Rick (Brenda) Smith of Omaha, NE, Mike (Rhonda) Smith of Hastings; stepchildren Eugene (La Peta) Smith of Yuma, AZ, Debra (Ken) Rupke of Hays, KS; sister-in-law Mary Ann Searle of Hastings, NE; brother-in-law Art Simmons of Sutton, NE; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brother Ed Searle; sisters Twila Soukup and Erma Simmons; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and special friend Fran Brophy.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences can be sent to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.