Judith Anne Smith, 81, passed away on Aug. 22, 2026, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. Judy was born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Broken Bow, the daughter of Woodrow and Margie (Samson) Miller. Judy grew up in the Ansley and Mason City area and graduated from Ansley High School with the class of 1962.
She married Jerry Smith on March 2, 1964, in Reno, Nevada, and they had three sons: Brad, David, and Richard. Throughout her life, Judy resided in several areas, including Baker, Oregon; Brogan, Oregon; and Mason City, Nebraska. In 1995, she moved to Gothenburg, which became her long-term home.
Judy was a member of the Christian Church of Ansley. She spent many years working as a nurses' aid, a profession where her compassionate nature thrived. She took immense pride in looking after her residents and ensuring their comfort. Outside of her work and church community, Judy spent her time enjoying the simple pleasures of reading and gardening.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Don, Lee, and Michael; her husband, Jerry; and son, David.
Survivors include her sons, Richard Smith of Kearney and Brad Smith of Medford, Oregon; two grandchildren; her sisters, Jane Herndon of Gothenburg, and Susan (Ron) Beck of Mason City; her brother, Dale Miller of Marshfield, Missouri; along with nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 4 – 7 p.m. with the family present from 4 – 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.
Memorials may be made to the Gothenburg Meals on Wheels.
Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser. com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments in Gothenburg.