Elva Mae Smith passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by determination, service, hard work, and devotion to her family and community.

Elva overcame rickets at an early age, demonstrating the strength and perseverance that would become hallmarks of her life. While in high school, she was a drum major for the VFW Drum and Bugle Corps. She graduated in 1953, and on June 28 of that same year, she married the love of her life, Richard M. Smith. Together, they began their married life in Leavenworth, Kansas. 

In 1956, Elva and Richard moved from Leavenworth to Wymore to take over the bakery there. After Richard's parents’ bakery in Fairbury had a devastating fire in late 1956, they merged the bakery with his parents and moved in the spring of 1957 to Fairbury, where Elva began a long and successful working career. From 1956 to 1978, she worked in bookkeeping for several businesses and also helped run Smitty's bakery. Elva was known for being extremely organized, dependable, and willing to do whatever needed to be done.

In 1978, Elva moved to Columbus, where she was a Branch Manager for Beneficial Finance and later at the county courthouse. She remained in Columbus until 1998, when she returned to Fairbury, which she called home for the remainder of her life.

After retirement, Elva and Richard enjoyed spending winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, from 1998 to 2005, joining many other “snowbirds” who sought the warmth of Arizona during the winter months. Those years brought her opportunities to enjoy retirement while continuing to build friendships and make memories.

Elva was also a trailblazer in the Fairbury Elks Lodge. Shortly after the Elks Grand Lodge made the historic decision in 1995 to allow women to become full members, Elva joined the Fairbury Elks Lodge. She was the first woman to become a member of the Fairbury Lodge and went on to be a dedicated member for 30 years.

It did not take long for Elva to become deeply involved in the organization. She served as Lodge Treasurer for many years and could always be counted on whenever help was needed. Whether she was helping plan events, volunteering her time, organizing crews for the Lodge’s weekly hamburger nights, or faithfully taking money at the door each Wednesday, Elva was a constant and dependable presence.

Her commitment to the Fairbury Elks Lodge went far beyond holding an office. Elva generously gave her time, energy, and organizational skills to the Lodge. Her willingness to step up, serve, and help others made a lasting impact on the organization and on the many people who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Elva’s greatest pride was her family. She will be remembered for her strength, her practicality, her generous spirit, and the steady presence she brought to the lives of those around her. She leaves behind many relatives and friends who will cherish the memories of the years they shared with her.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Richard M. Smith; her parents, John and Marie Isaac; her sister, Norman Hale; and two infant children.She is survived by Brother Leroy and Pat Isaac of Wood River, Nebraska; Brother Al Isaac of Seward, Nebraska; Brother Keith and Karen of Fairbury, Nebraska; Son Randy Smith of Hebron, Nebraska; Son Russell and Sarah Smith of Westminster, Colorado; Grandson Jeremy and Kimmi Smith of Chardon, Nebraska; Granddaughter Sarah and Dustin Chapman of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Great grandchildren Remy Chapman, Calin Chapman, Breck Smith, and Knox Smith, along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.Elva’s life was one of dedication—to her family, her work, her community, and the organizations she served. Her legacy will live on through the people she helped, the friendships she made, and the family she loved so deeply.She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 10:30 am at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, NE. In Lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Fairbury Elks Lodge. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com