Rose E. Smith (nee Wright) was born on August 16, 1959, to James and Lila (Benner) Wright. She grew up in the small town of Hyannis, Nebraska, surround by a large family. Rose was the middle child of nine children.
She graduated from high school in Broken Bow, Nebraska and went on to attend cosmetology school. Free-spirited and adventurous, Rose spent time traveling with the carnival before settling down after the birth of her first child, Samantha, in Broken Bow.
She later moved to North Platte, Nebraska where she welcomed her son, Robbie, and two years later, her son Brandon. North Platte became her lifelong home, though she spent her last few years living in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she cherished being able to see and spend time with her grandchildren each day.
Rose devoted much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a caregiver and later spent many years working at Walmart.
Even after developing cancer and facing numerous health challenges, she remained a fighter, showing strength and determination even when she did not feel well. She was known for her strong work ethic, kind heart, and loving spirit. She enjoyed crocheting and was truly amazing at it.
On October 16, 1993, Rose married Charlie A. Smith in North Platte, Nebraska. Charlie became not only her husband, but a devoted father and role model to her children.
Family was everything to Rose. She loved keeping up with as many family members as possible, and her home was always a favorite gathering place for nieces and nephews - many of whom looked up to her as a second mother. To know Rose, was to love her.
Rose especially cherished being a grandmother. She loved taking her grandchildren to the park and out for ice cream, and her eyes lit up every time her great-grandchildren were around. She took great pride in her family and the memories they shared together.
After another battle with cancer, Rose was able to remain at home under the care of her son, Brandon, and her husband. Her daughter was also able to be present at times, offering care, comfort and meaningful moments together. She was also surrounded by the love of her grandchildren during this time. Rose passed peacefully surrounded by her children and her husband on December 31, 2025.
Rose was preceded in death by her father, James 'Jim' Wright; her brothers, Bob Wright and John Wright; her sister, Lila Mae Proctor; her granddaughters, Abcde Wright and Nevaeh Wright; and her great-granddaughter, Este Hammar.
She is survived by her loving husband, Charlie Smith of Lincoln, NE; her mother, Lila Maresh of Kearney, NE; her children, Samantha (Josh) Briggs of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Robbie Wright and his significant other, Erin Blankenship, of North Platte, NE, Brandon (Ashley) Wright of Lincoln, NE, Diana (Fritz) Nuffer of North Platte, NE, and Susan (Jay) Bryant of Howe, Texas.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kylee (Luke) Hammar, Lexi Stoddard, Tristan Stoddard, Shaylynn Wright, Jorgen Hackworth, Juliannah Wright, Brandon 'Jay' Wright Jr., Chase Dubas, Mason Dubas, Lexi Petracek, Mason Briggs, Ashlyn Briggs, Dacy Baxter, Duelly Baxter, Ireland Bryant (Cody), and Jayden Bryant; and her great-grandchildren Samuel Hammar, Atlas Westover, Mabel Hammar, Phoebe Hammar, Alice Stoddard, and Vanden Rigsbay.
Her surviving siblings include Jim Wright, Retta Hamlin, pam Scheuffele, Teresa Basich, Larry Wright, Charlie Wright, Betsy Wright, Marvin Wright, Michael Wright, and William Wright. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including two very special nieces, Robyn Flaten and Stacy Kleinjan.
This is a hug hole in our hearts, and she will be missed dearly. Rose in now in the arms of her Heavenly Father, watching over all of us. We are sure she is enjoying time once again with her loved ones who passed before her.
Services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date and announced by the family.
Until we see her again, her love, laughter and spirit will remain with us always.