Gwen Smith

Gwen (Gwendoline) Smith of Cozad passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 the Cozad Community Hospital at the age of 96. She was born September 3, 1924 in Southbank, Yorkshire, England to John and Millie (Peacock) Chard. After completing her education, she worked as a teletypist for the war department.  She met Robert Smith on a blind date.  They were married in Southbank on May 5, 1945.  Bob was discharged and sent home shortly after that, but Gwen, and son Robin had to wait until 1947 to cross the Atlantic to begin their life on the family farm northeast of Cozad - where three more sons were born.  She became a US citizen in 1964.  Gwen kept active with her family, and had many hobbies.  She was known for her cooking and pie baking, being a den mother, painting with the Cozad Art Club, bowling, playing tennis and golf, playing bridge and later doing beautiful cross stitch and knitting.  She was a PEO member, and was very active in the UMC where she taught Sunday School, was in the bell choir, active on many boards, and  a member of the interiors committee.  She and Bob followed the kids and grandkids sporting activities.  The family vacationed in Estes Park in the summers.  She and Bob loved to travel and visit her family in England, and son Kent in Arizona. She shared many stories of family and growing up by the North Sea. She was preceded by her devoted and loving husband of 65 years Bob; daughter-in-law, Deb Smith; grandson, Jason; sister, Blanche Senior and brother, Len Chard. Gwen is survived by sisters, Jean (England) and Marlene (Canada), her brother, John (England) and a niece and 2 nephews; her sons, Robin (Karen), Kent, Tony (Ann), Tim (Patti), grandchildren, Corey, Kevin (Erin Kostman), Nic (Traci), Amy (Tyler Maas), Matt (Caitlin), Dustin (Jennie), Ryan (Noelle) and 11 great grandchildren. She cherished them all.

Memorials are suggested to the family in her name for later designation. Graveside services will be held Friday, December 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Cozad Cemetery with Pastor Doug Gahn officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with family present from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.