Arlene Betty Smith

Arlene Betty Smith, age 91, of Lincoln, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023. Arlene was born July 5, 1932 to Daniel and Marie Panko Abbott. Arlene was a homemaker to her wonderful husband and four children. She had many hobbies during her lifetime. She was active in her children’s school years by being involved in PTA as a room mother, and Girl Scouts. Arlene and her husband Bob were avid walkers in their retirement years which led to a long healthy life. They were devoted members of Volkswalkers – a national walking club that encouraged walking as a fun activity. The club had predetermined trails located in communities throughout the country. This program allowed Arlene and Bob to walk 500 trails covering every State in the country including every State Capitol. Arlene also enjoyed golf, a sport she played most of her adult life. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. Her love of crafts was evident through the many blankets, clothes, dishes, and artwork that she created for her family through her expert handy work in knitting, sewing, crocheting, ceramics, and china painting. She enjoyed traveling with Bob during his consulting years after he retired from US Steel. They also had many happy years living at their winter home in Naples, Florida. Arlene and her friends had fun hosting numerous garage sales throughout the years, which was another way of enjoying time with her friends and keeping the clutter at bay. She always took great pride in the many flower and vegetable gardens that she planted. Most of all she loved her family; and was always quick to provide help, advice, and hugs to her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed but will live on in our hearts.

Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 71 years Robert Smith; children, Ron Smith, Karen (Bob) Everitt, Joyce Lerdahl-Salisbury; daughter-in-law, Susan Smith. grandchildren, Jason (Jessica) Lerdahl, Luke Smith, Mitchell (Amairani) Lerdahl, Devon Smith, Katie (Dalton) Barnard and Griffin Everitt; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Elijah and Blair; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Arlene is preceded in death by her son Scott Smith; and former son-in-law Eric Lerdahl. A memorial celebration of life will be 2:00 pm Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512. Visitation will be 1 hr. prior to the service.