Wilma Irene Smith, age 98, of Gering, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on January 11, 2024 when she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Visitation will be at Gering Memorial Chapel on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Church of Christ with Pastor Herb Rainey officiating. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery. Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be left for the family at www.geringchapel.com
Irene was born August 9, 1925 in Scottsbluff to Theodore and Eddie May (Hewitt) VanWinkle, and she received her early education in Minatare, graduating from Morrill High School. During this time, she received the nickname, “Granddaddy Longlegs,” because of her participation in softball.
She was united in marriage to Donald Leroy Smith on September 23, 1947, and they made their home in Arlington, South Dakota while Don attended Bible College there. After that, they moved to Gering, Nebraska, where they raised their four children: Max, Douglas, Michael, and Donna.
The couple were a shining beacon of love and an example to those around them in their 73 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 2020. As active members of Central Church of Christ, Irene was passionate about serving the Lord and her family. A dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she was a prayer warrior for her kids and grandkids. Her cooking was so phenomenal that friends and relatives from all over gathered around her kitchen table countless times. Their home was always a safe haven.
Irene is survived by her children, Max (Vicki) Smith of Gering, Douglas (Janice) Smith of Scottsbluff, Michael (Friend, Patti Grentz) Smith of Scottsbluff, and Donna (Lance) Cline of Gering; 12 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barb Dalke of Arizona; and life-long friend, Janine Hall.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Eddie VanWinkle; and siblings, Hershel VanWinkle, Zada Kreiling, twin brother, Eugene William, and Ted “Rip” VanWinkle; grandsons, Steve Scott and Greg Palmer; and great-grandson, Dawson Krueger.