Virgie L. Smith, 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on April 22, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones at The Waterford at Williamsburg.

Born on June 13, 1931, in Milligan, Nebraska, Virgie was the daughter of Emil and Tonie Havel. She grew up in Milligan and graduated from Milligan High School in 1948. On January 23, 1954, she married Bill Smith, and together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Virgie was known for touching the lives of everyone around her with her sweet, generous, honest, and genuine spirit. She had a deep love for cooking and took great joy in making sure everyone was well fed; always with plenty of extra to take home. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events. She also enjoyed her weekly bowling leagues with close friends and faithfully followed the Huskers, the Saltdogs, and the Kansas City Royals.
To those who knew her, Virgie will be remembered for her spirited “spitfire” attitude, her love of music, and her familiar evening declaration: “The kitchen is closed—but there’s always ice cream!”

Virgie is survived by her daughter, Barb (Mike) Honerman of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Jane Smith of Lincoln; and son-in-law, Dr. Brad (Laura) Lockee of Pierce. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan (Jocelyn), Reed (Corinna), Kyle (Sara), Scott (Katie), Stacy (Tyler), Matt (Tanya), Brian, Amy (Collin), Brent, Aaron, Jake, and Katie; her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Ethan, Luke, Leo, Addison, Jack, Wyatt, Benny, Leon, Vivian, Savannah, and Ryker, as well as nieces, Pat Hoffschneider and Norene Kidder; and nephews, Larry Michl, Gary and Richard Havel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Tonie; siblings, Emil, Don, Irma, and Sr. Frances Ann; husband, Bill; daughter, Sue Lockee; and son, Gene Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, with a rosary preceding the Mass. Father Lyle Johnson will officiate. Interment will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Catholic Social Services or to the family for later designation.

Virgie’s family extends their gratitude to all her friends and long-time neighbors for their love and support over the years.

Livestream for Virgie’s service is available here: https://youtube.com/live/xjhHJqLFurY?feature=share