Barbara Jean Smith

Barbara Smith, age 85 of Nebraska City passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Barbara Jean Smith was born on May 4, 1940 at rural Mound City, MO; the daughter of Marion N. and Clara A. (Snider) Mendenhall.  She grew up in the Mound City area, graduating from Mound City High School with the Class of 1958. 

Barbara was united in marriage to Roger Eugene Smith on January 18, 1959 in Mound City and to this union three children were born:  John, Janet and Joyce.  Roger preceded her in death on January 5, 2026.  They shared nearly 67 years together.

Barbara and Roger moved to Nebraska City in 1965 and to rural Dunbar in 1968, where they lived for more than 20 years, before returning to Nebraska City in 1990. They faithfully attended the Dunbar Presbyterian Church where she was a member of Willing Workers serving as president for 20+ years and chaired the church salad luncheon and bazaar, taught Sunday School and Bible School.

Barbara was a loving and devoted mother who was creative, talented, and involved in her children’s lives and community. She was a 4-H leader for sewing and cooking and a member of Meet-A-While extension club. Barbara was a seamstress, having learned from her mother, and made many of the clothes for her daughters during their grade school years, and sewed for others for many years. Her sewing included making quilts for her grandchildren, a gift for high school graduation, which she was so proud to give. Her creativity enabled her to make many craft items for family gifts or to sell at craft fairs, as well as selling her wonderful sugar cookies, a favorite recipe. She loved sharing the task of rolling out sugar cookie dough and cutting out cookies with her children and grandchildren. Barbara enjoyed cooking and baking for her family.

Barbara’s devotion included being a stay-at-home mom, except for a few hours during her children’s school time, working as a bookkeeper for a neighbor’s business. Once her children were nearly grown, she began her career of 20+ years working for Mid-plains Eye Care Center. She then enjoyed spending time working or volunteering part time for a variety of organizations or tourist attractions.

Barbara is survived by children: John Smith (Carol) of Hallsville, MO, Janet Henderson (Neal) of Bellevue, NE and Joyce Aherin (Dennis) of Phillipsburg, KS; six grandchildren: Melody Snodgrass (Ethan), Nathan Smith, Christina Prelle (Caleb), Nicole Bourne (Harrison), Dustin Aherin (Cassie) and Tanner Aherin (Darby); ten great-grandchildren; sisters: Betty Drews (Charles) of Spring Hills, KS, Beverly Beardshear (George) of Leavenworth, KS; brother Raymond Mendenhall (Barbara) of Burlington, IA; brother-in-law Franklin Smith (Janice) of Lincoln, NE; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, great-granddaughter Jael Snodgrass, sister-in-law Eva Mae Miller (Jackie) and brother-in-law Leon Smith.

Barbara’s life was focused on faith, family, and community. She never knew a stranger. If you saw Barbara you saw Roger with her.  Barbara was very proud of all her family and enjoyed doing things with them and for them.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City, NE with Pastor Gary Ganger officiating.  Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mound City, MO.

The family will greet friends on Friday (4/10) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary, prior to the service.

Memorials may be given to the Dunbar Presbyterian Church or the Nebraska City Fire and Rescue.

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