WILMA "WOODY" SMITH, 89, of Ogallala, NE, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, NE.
On August 9, 1932, Wilma was born to Kernie and Pauline (Roads) Ralph in Ohio County, Kentucky.
Wilma graduated from Murry State College in association with Owensboro Davis County Hospital with a Registered Nurse degree. Wilma never stopped learning. She also held certifications as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and a Critical Care Nurse. She practiced nursing for 51 years and retired from Veterans Administration Hospital in Denver on June 30, 2001.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, FOE Ladies Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary for over 50 years.
Wilma enjoyed fishing, hunting, leathercraft, and teaching children about nature and how to fish.
Wilma is survived by her partner Jenny Watkins; two brothers, Donald Ralph of SC, Hugh Ralph of FL; three sisters, Margaret Lamb, TX, Ann House, KY, Susie Brady, SC, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were her parents, Kernie and Pauline Ralph, and brothers, James, Kenneth, Kernie Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or the First Congregational Church of Ogallala. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, at 10:30 am at the First Congregational Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Interment will follow in the Lemoyne Cemetery.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.