Lydia E. Smith

Lydia Emelia Ahl Smith was born Nov. 24, 1920 in Beatrice, Nebraska, the third child of Ruth Stuermer Ahl and Julius Henry Ahl. She attended school there and graduated from Beatrice High School in 1938. Following graduation, she worked at Store Kraft Manufacturing Company in Beatrice.

On September 9, 1945 she married Richard Dean Smith, who was serving in the Merchant Marines at the time of their marriage. After his discharge the couple lived briefly in Des Moines before returning to Beatrice. In 1960 they moved to San Marcos, Texas where they opened a Ben Franklin Store. They later sold the business and returned to Nebraska to make their home in Omaha where Lydia became an executive secretary to the Vice President of Public Relations and Public Affairs at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She loved her job and after 21 years of service, retired in 1983.

Lydia and Dick enjoyed Husker football, working in their yard, traveling, and dancing together at the German American Club in Omaha. After Dick died in 1997, she remained active in various church and civic groups. She loved singing in the choir at Living Faith United Methodist Church. Family and friends were dear to her heart, and she delighted in hearing updates about those she loved.

In 2005 health conditions prompted Lydia to move to Linwood Estates, an assisted living facility in Glenwood, IA, so that she could be closer to family. She was transferred to the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood in November 2009 and died there on January 23, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Dean Smith and brothers Elmer Ahl, Harvey Ahl and Lester Ahl. She is survived by her sister, Bernice Schuster of Glenwood, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, 10:00 A. M. at Crosby Burket Swanson Golden Funeral Home, 11902 W. Center Road, Omaha, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A. M. Burial will be in Beatrice, NE immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to Living Faith United Methodist Church or Glen Haven Home.