Edna “Joan” Smith, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 30, 2021 at her home. She was born September 19, 1939, to Paul E. and Emma (Fischer) Larsen, in Dickens, Nebraska.
Joan graduated from North Platte High School then started working for Gibson’s in North Platte, as office manager. She continued working when Gibson’s sold to True Value until she retired. She was united in marriage to Theodore (Bud) Knox in 1958. To this union a son Theodore (Ted) Knox was born in October of 1959. Then Joan married Raymond (Ray) Smith on May 27, 1978. This union was joined with Ray’s 5 children, Jim, Karen, Judy, Chris and Jackie.
Joan enjoyed watching wild life from her kitchen table, especially the cardinals and squirrels. She liked visiting with her friends and family. She tended large gardens and enjoyed canning. As well, she made homemade jerky and shared it with any- and everyone. She was the mom who would go to the father-daughter banquet when dad wasn’t able to attend. She truly enjoyed her time with her children and grandchildren. She was the glue of the family. Our mother loved us no matter if we’d been good or bad. Loving us unconditionally, if you were one of her own children or an in-law, she loved us all the same.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Ray; infant granddaughter, Melissa; sisters, Pauline Matthews, Joy Alread, Phyllis Serino; and a brother, Roy Larsen.
She is survived by her children, Ted (Dee) Knox, Jim (Lori) Smith, Karen (Ron) Hepler, Judy (Tom) Hanna, Chris Gifford, Jackie (Jeff) Kelley; and sister, Shirley (Robert) Schneider; 13 grandchildren, Shelby Knox, J.R. Smith, Amber Craig, Jason Hepler, Jacob Hepler, Melinda Girdner, Tim Timmerman, Josh Kelley, Willow Kelley, Tony Willson and Doug Todd; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be at 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 22, 2021, at North Platte Cemetery, with Pastor Brett Hathaway officiating. Book signing will be 9- 5, Thursday, October 21.
For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via the Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.