Gloria Jean (Eng) Smith, age 79 of Merna, NE passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2nd at the Callaway District Hospital, in Callaway, NE surrounded by her loved ones.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 6th, at Govier Brothers Mortuary, at 10:30 am, burial will be in the Merna Cemetery. A lunch will follow the services at the Merna Community Center. Govier Brothers is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Anselmo-Merna Athletic Department. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5th, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with family greeting friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Govier Brothers in Broken Bow, NE.
Gloria was born on October 2nd, 1944, to Georg and Minnie (Schomburg) Eng in Seward, Nebraska. Georg & Minnie moved to Merna when Gloria was very young, establishing Eng’s Tavern. Georg & Minnie later welcomed daughter, Connie, and son, Gary. Gloria attended Merna Schools.
On February 12, 1967, Gloria was united in marriage to Danny Smith. To this union 4 children were born: Cynthia, Devin, Stephanie, and Dustin. Danny & 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 ab out 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, NE Stephanie McIntosh of Broken Bow, Dustin (Keri) Smith of Utah, and daughter-in-law Nancy Smith of Edgemont, SD. Also, grandchildren; Ryan (JaLisa) Province, Brittany (Zach McAlevy) Province, Reece Huhman, Bethany Huhman, Timmy Myers, Elijah (Kara) Smith, Addison Smith, Jacob McIntosh, Georgiee & Graciee Smith, Brandon Smith, Kara Smith, 3 great grandchildren; Ryker Province, Delilah Toof, and Alayna McAlevy, brother, Gary (Lisa) Eng, and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Georg & Minnie Eng, infant sister Connie, in-laws Darrel “Hoss” & Ruth Smith, brothers-in-law Mike Smith, and Dennis Smith.