Neta “Rene” Smith, age 86, of Mitchell, Nebraska, died on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 at Heritage Estates. An informal gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, November 21st, at 11:00am at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dugankramer.com.
Rene was born June 8th, 1935, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Maurice Powers and Nettie Bainbrich. She grew up on a ranch near Rifle, Colorado, before moving to California and then finally settling in Gering, where she finished her education. She married Roland Smith on April 18th, 1952 in Gering. They made their home in Mitchell and have been together for 69 years. She worked at the, the Star Herald for 3 years, the Mitchell Sugar Factory for a subsequent 3 years, and then joined her husband in running the Platte Valley Creamery for 30 years.
Survivors include husband, Roland of 69 years; children, Rolene (Gary) Bussell, Ron Smith, and Reed (Michelle) Smith; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.