Wanda E. Smith, 94, formerly of Mullen, NE; passed away on January 27, 2018, at Sutherland Care Center.
Cremation was chosen, internment is planned for Saturday, April 7th at 12 pm (MST) at her graveside in Cedar View Cemetery in Mullen, NE. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland Care Center, Cedar View Cemetery in Mullen, NE or donor’s choice. Mullen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Wanda was born on May 22, 1923, to Clifford L. and Leona (Knight) Middaugh in Cody, NE. She attended a country school and then school in Whitman, NE before graduating from Gordon High School in 1940. After graduating she taught home school for 2 years.
In August of 1943 she traveled to California where Allen Smith was stationed in the army, they were married on August 29, 1943, in Carson City, NV. In December of 1943, Allen’s outfit was moved to Camp Bowie, Texas and Wanda went to Mullen, NE to live with Allen’s family. To this union three children were born; a daughter, Gloria Anne, and sons; John Joseph and James Allen. After Allen’s discharge from the Army, they spent about 4 months in Casper, WY before returning to Mullen, NE where Wanda worked in the Mullen Café until she and Allen bought the beer parlor in 1952, which they ran for 19 ½ years. After selling the beer parlor, Wanda went to work for Macke’s grocery store, Dutton’s Grocery and in September 1976 took a job as Assistant Village Clerk in Mullen. She spent 11 years at the Village Office, retiring in 1988 as Village Clerk.
In Mullen, she belonged to the Episcopal Church, American Legion Auxiliary, ECW and Pioneer Memorial Auxiliary. She volunteered for the Legion Auxiliary, the rest home and participated in several other community events and activities.
In June of 2002, Allen and Wanda moved to North Platte, due to Allen’s health issues, he passed away on August 22, 2002. In North Platte, Wanda attended the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, joined St. Bridget’s Guild, R&R Card Club, and RSVP. She volunteered 2-3 days a week at the Thrift Connection Store and RSVP until she was 87. She spent a year at Premier Estates Assisted in North Platte, before moving to the Sutherland Care Center in January of 2017.
Wanda was a gifted artist and has painted several pictures on canvas and old saw blades, as well as burnt many scenes into wood for family and friends, and most recently making jewelry for her loved ones while in the care center. Wanda’s love of art and creativity has been instilled in her children and grandchildren.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; sister, Elsie Jane Hough, and her parents, Clifford & Leona Middaugh. Survivors include: brother, Ted (Chris) Middaugh of Reno, NV; daughter, Gloria Blakely of North Platte, NE; sons John Smith of Sutherland, NE and James (Grant) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO. 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren with another on the way, nieces, nephews and several cousins.
