Leona Marie (Skinner) Smith

Leona Marie (Skinner) Smith

July 29, 1932 - Oct. 24, 2024

TRENTON, Neb. - Leona Marie (Skinner) Smith was born on July 29, 1932 in Trenton, Neb. to William Burton and Anna Martha (Rasmussen) Skinner. She attended school in Trenton and worked at the hardware store, Krotter and Wellet. Leona graduated with the Trenton High School Class of 1950.

On June 6, 1954, Leona married Melvin Roy Smith at the Trenton Congregational Church. The couple lived for a short time in Culbertson, Neb. before moving to Trenton where they raised their five children: Ronald, Robert, Richard, Roger and Rita. Being a full-time mom, cook, caretaker and a referee of her five rambunctious children that were born within eight years of each other kept Leona busy.

Leona was known for having a large garden, which meant doing a lot of canning and freezing. She was an excellent cook; she was known for her many famous recipes, especially her fried chicken.

Leona spent many years attending ball games and sporting activities for all her children. Her interest in sports continued as an avid fan of all sports. Football was always her favorite, especially the Huskers. If the TV wasn’t on sports, she more than likely was watching John Wayne or another western.

After her children all graduated, Leona started working at the Jack and Jill Grocery Store in Trenton. She worked there for over 30 years. Leona was also the bookkeeper for Melvin’s dirt moving business.

The thing Leona liked the most was spending time with her grandkids. Always reading to them, especially the comics from the Sunday paper. She will be remembered for playing with them and always attending their many activities.

Leona was known for her kindness and a big heart toward everyone. She never said an unkind word about anyone.

Leona moved to McCook in 2011, after Melvin’s passing. She called the Hidden Pines Assisted Living home until making her final move to Hillcrest Nursing Home in 2023. It was at Hillcrest that Leona Smith passed away on Thursday morning, Oct. 24, 2024. She was 92 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Martha Skinner; her husband, Melvin in 2010; brothers: Wilbur (Emolyn) Skinner, Dale (Bea) Skinner and Gene (Eunice) Skinner; sisters: Bernice (Cliff) Crossan, Zelma (Paul) Confer and Alta (Verle) Carlson; as well as a granddaughter, Bondi Smith.

She is survived by her children: Ronald (Lolita) Smith of Gulfport, Miss., Robert (Marie) Smith of Culbertson, Richard (Cheri) Smith of Gilbert, Ariz., Roger (Chris) Smith of McCook and Rita (Darrel) Messersmith of McCook; grandchildren: Aaron, Ashley, Allison, Amber, Kindra, Shawn, Kasha, Andrew, Rebecca and Jeanie; 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct.29, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Leona’s family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Trenton, Neb. Burial in the Trenton Cemetery will follow services.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Leona Smith for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.