Sheila Smith Obituary, Death – Sheila R. Smith, born July 30th, 1946, in the delightful hamlet of Geneva, Nebraska, stretched her wings for her ultimate trip on October 19th, 2023, leaving an unmistakable legacy of love, compassion, and inspiration on all who knew her. Sheila was an inspiring person whose life was illuminated by her kindness and charismatic personality. In the words of the poet Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” and Sheila embodied this attitude throughout her life.
Sheila worked as a veterinary technician at White’s Animal Clinic for 25 years, during which time she took excellent care of her own family and other animals. Her enthusiasm and compassion for animals had no bounds, and her commitment to their well-being was admirable. In particular, she enjoyed fishing trips to their cabin. Sheila spent a large portion of her life in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the city will never forget her for the countless acts of kindness she performed and the dedication she showed to her work. She exemplified William Arthur Ward’s observation that “the mediocre teacher tells.” A excellent educator provides context.
The excellent instructor illustrates. A great educator is a source of motivation. Sheila was a healer, but she also served as an example to us humans, showing us how vital it is to show kindness and compassion to all living things. Sheila’s loved ones include her dedicated husband Robert (Bob) Smith, her son Rob Smith, her daughter Renae (Smith) Wilson and her husband Kendall Ritter, her grandson Davin Wilson and his wife Jennifer Wilson, and six great grandchildren. Countless nieces, nephews, relatives, and extended family members, including her sisters Delores Kelch, Kate and Rick Drapal, and Marilyn Bobert. Also, her unique and dear friend and neighbour, Harold Johnson.
Her loving parents, John and Teresa Kelch, as well as her brother and sister, Glenn and Marcia Bobert, all passed away before she did.
She provided unwavering love, support, and encouragement to her loved ones, and they in turn gave it to her. What we have truly enjoyed once, we can never lose,” Helen Keller famously stated. What we love most is inevitably a part of who we are. The warmth and kindness of Sheila will live on in her loved ones, and her memory will serve as a source of inspiration for years to come.
Please feel free to submit images and share stories about Sheila on the memorial page. Her wonderful life, her enduring spirit, and the love she shared with us will live on in your tales and images.
