Lois A. Smith-Swanson, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, with her family by her side at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska at the age of 88.
Born on July 16, 1937, on the family farm in Greeley County, Nebraska, Lois was the daughter of Earl and Ruth (McCune) Morrow. She received her early education at a country school and graduated from Scotia High School in 1954.
On June 5, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to Donald Smith in Scotia, Nebraska. Together, they were blessed with four children: Patricia, Daniel, Dennis, and Edwin. Lois dedicated herself as a devoted homemaker and mother, nurturing her family on ranches throughout central Nebraska.
In 1968, Lois and her family relocated to Ericson, Nebraska, where they opened the S&S Sundries Drug Store. Following its closure, she worked in various capacities, including roles at banks in Ericson and Burwell, shared the experience of driving an 18-wheeler truck across the country with her husband Don, and served at the Garfield County Offices. Additionally, Lois volunteered for the Blood Drive bus, showcasing her dedication to community service.
After the passing of Donald Smith, Lois found love again and remarried Gene Swanson on July 26, 2005.
Lois’s presence will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Yost of Lincoln; three sons and daughters-in-law: Daniel and Cindy Smith of Lincoln, Dennis and Mary Margaret Smith of Bend, Oregon, and Edwin and Helen Smith of Lockhart, Texas. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy for her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ruth Morrow; both husbands, Donald Smith and Gene Swanson; her life partner, David Hoerle; a brother, Victor Morrow; two grandsons,
Michael DeLa Garza and Kenneth Cummings, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Dijah Ybarra; and son-in-law, Randy Yost.
A Christian Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell. Pastor Tim Reicks will officiate. Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery at Ord, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Friday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. to service time.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the Friendship Home, which supports survivors of domestic violence. https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/friendship-home
Still Waters Funeral Parlor is assisting with the arrangement. Online condolences may be left at www. stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
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