Mary Joyce (Jacobson) Smith

Arapahoe, Nebraska Mary Joyce (Jacobson) Smith, age 84, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Society at Beatrice, Nebraska. She was born July 20, 1928 at Cambridge, Nebraska to Peter and Racheal (Kief) Jacobson. She was raised on the family farm southwest of Arapahoe, Nebraska, then later moving to Cambridge, Nebraska and graduating from Cambridge High School with the class of 1946. She was a country school teacher before marrying Harry E. Smith Jr. on July 20, 1947 at Denver, Colorado. To this union three children were born: Terry Lee, Daniel Gene, and Debra Jo. Mary was a teacher, homemaker, and a wife. She was active member and leader in 4-H, Extension Club, Eastern Star, and First United Methodist Church, all of Arapahoe. She was also the secretary for the Arapahoe Senior Center where she enjoyed the daily meals and visiting with friends. She moved to Beatrice, Nebraska in 1999, to be closer to her daughter. Mary loved to quilt making quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also won many awards for her quilting. She continued to quilt, making many baby quilts until her eyesight failed. She is preceded in death by her parents, twin brother, husband Harry, daughter-in-law Joy Lynn, and son-in-law Earl. She is survived by sons Terry & wife Leslie Smith of Holbrook, Nebraska Dan Smith of Beaver City, Nebraska Daughter: Debra Kruse of Hanover, Kansas Ten grand children, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 foster great grandchild, plus many friends and relatives. Family request in-lieu of flowers and money; that if you were involved in a club or organization with Mary Joyce, remember the good times you had with her for she taught us well. Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com Inurnment will be Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Arapahoe Cemetery, Arapahoe, Nebraska. Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.