Dorothy May Smith, 96

Dorothy May Smith of North Platte passed away December 26, 2023, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 96.

Dorothy was born April 4, 1927, to Edward and Josephine Hopkins in Chadron where she grew up. After graduating from Chadron High School, Dorothy held several different jobs, her favorite was as a bookkeeper at a Chadron car dealership.

On August 17, 1947, Dorothy married Gene Smith in Chadron. They made their home on a farm in the Deadhorse community where they raised their five children: Alan, Carol, David, Ruth and Daniel. In 1970 the family left the farm and moved to Bridgeport, then to North Platte six years later with Gene’s job. Dorothy worked at Herberger’s Department Store until retiring.

Dorothy was a member of Diamond K Kiwanis Club, the Extension Club, and was a faithful member of the Water Lilies swimming group at the North Platte Rec Center for many years. She also spent many hours volunteering at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.

Dorothy loved family get togethers and playing games with family and friends. She could always find the good in anyone, and something positive in every situation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; and her parents, Edward and Josephine Hopkins.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Alan (Joan) Smith of Kingwood,TX, Carol (Jerry) Young of Columbia, MO, David (Jan) Smith of McCook, Ruth (Kevin) Uhrich of North Platte and Daniel (Mary Ann) Smith of Fulshear,TX; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen and services will be held in the spring. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel. com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County Historical Museum.