Patricia Anne Smith

August 19, 1931 - October 1, 2016

Patricia "Pat" Smith, age 85 of Ogallala, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 1, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Pat was born August 19, 1931 on a farm near Roscoe, Nebraska to Frank and Verdie (Franken) Peters. She graduated from Ogallala High School and went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University. On June 20, 1954, Pat married Rod Smith at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala. The couple made their home in Ogallala and farmed south of town. Their union was blessed with 3 children, Cynthia, Cathy and Mark. Pat's life, as a wife, mother and community member, was underscored by her strong faith in Christ. She was known for her hospitality and gratitude. Pat was an extrovert, who was both friendly and engaging to those she met. She worked hard to convey her faith not only through spoken word, but perhaps most powerfully, in how she lived her everyday life. Pat was an accomplished musician, and had a deep love of music that was shared by her husband and passed along to her children and grandchildren. She loved to play piano, and had closets full of sheet music. Pat had a depth and authenticity that was easily identifiable by others. Her relationships were deep, lasting and plentiful. She had a remarkable way of meeting the needs of others, whatever they seemed to be, and cultivating meaningful bonds with people, regardless of age. Pat had a contagious smile, and was always fun to be around. She lived her life knowing that she was blessed by God, and some of her most cherished days came in the summers, when her children and grandchildren would return home to Ogallala to spend time and just be together. Pat was a member of the New Hope Church in Ogallala and was active in Womens' Bible Studies and Christian Women's Club. She was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter CL, Order of the Eastern Star and served as a Hospice volunteer for several years. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Rod, and her parents. Survivors include her 3 children, Cynthia (Pat) McGuffey of Beatrice, Cathy (Bill) Smith-Streeter of Johnstown, CO, Mark (Laurie) Smith of Greeley, CO; 5 grandchildren, Megan (Chris) Willet of Omaha, Luke (Kristina) McGuffey of Greeley, CO, Logan (Chelsea) McGuffey of Columbia, MO, Jacob Smith of Greeley, CO, Lucas Smith of Greeley, CO; 3 grandchildren gained by marriage, Zach, Taylor and Brennen all of CO; 5 great grandchildren, Molly, Wyatt, Isabella, Olivia and Hayden; brother, Pete (Wanda) Peters of Ogallala; 2 nieces, Jill (Shawn) Skinner, Tracy (Curt) Brown; nephew Shane Peters; longtime family friends, Bob (Patty) Reyna of Brule; along with many other relatives and friends. Memorials are suggested to the Keith County Community Foundation Fund or the New Hope Church in Pat's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Services will be on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastor Eric Wait officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation for memorial book signature will be held on Thursday, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.