Barbara (Smith) Mecklem, 72, of Lyman, NE, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Scottsbluff, NE. She was the daughter of Max and Loretta (Snyder) Smith and was born on August 7, 1951, in Nebraska City. She graduated from Johnson-Brock High School with the class of 1969. She then attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she received her Bachelor of Education degree and later received her Master of Education from Chadron State College. While attending UNL, she met her future husband, David Mecklem. They were married on April 10, 1971. They were blessed with two children and enjoyed over 53 years of marriage.
Barbara dedicated nearly thirty years to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher. She was passionate about education and was committed to her students. Barbara’s classroom was always a place of warmth, encouragement, and discovery, reflecting her deep love for reading and learning.
Outside of her professional career, Barbara loved reading, cooking, and traveling. She and David drove thousands of miles together, visiting family and friends, and exploring the country.
The family was at the heart of everything Barbara did, spending every opportune moment she had with her loved ones, creating countless memories filled with laughter and love. A particularly cherished tradition was her book gift to family children, fostering a love for reading from the very beginning of their lives. She will be remembered always and missed deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Loretta Smith; brothers, Joel and Bill Smith; mother-in-law, Phyllis “Rusty” Mecklem; and father-in-law, David Mecklem.
Barbara is survived by her husband, David Mecklem; daughters and sons-in-law, Erin (Eric) Sturdivant of Palmer, Alaska, and Libby (Blake) Henning of Valley, Nebraska; grandchildren, Tate and Tylynn Sturdivant and Wesley and Kade Henning; brother, Dale (Sheri) Smith; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Smith, Linda Smith, and Coyne Quinn; and brother-in-law, Curt Mecklem; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A visitation for greeting Barbara’s family will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 30 at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff, NE. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests family and friends spend time with those they love.