Marcy Mortuary, 104 N 15th Street, Ashland, NE (2025)

10/15/2025

Steven R. Williams Sr., 72 of Ashland, NE passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was born February 8, 1953 in Broken Bow, NE to Ray and Gertrude (Fehr) Williams. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1971. On August 5, 1989 he was united in marriage to Tammy Caster in Ashland. From this union nine children were born. Steve worked as a mechanic for Williams Sales and Service and retired from the U.S. Post Office.

Steve enjoyed working on cars, watching Nebraska Sports, NASCAR, hockey and baseball. In his younger years he raced go-carts.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Williams: children, Josh (Lindsey) Williams, Steven Williams Jr., Janay (Blaik Cayton) Williams, Alexandra (Augustus) Laughlin, Anna Williams, Zharayah Williams, Paige Williams, Aubree Williams and Isabelle Williams; grandchildren, Raylan, Isla, Aurora, Vivian, Seraphina, Rowan; step-grandson, Aiden; one brother and three sisters; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Funeral Service, Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 pm at First Christian Church in Ashland, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

10/14/2025

Troy was a fun-loving guy. He always made sure everyone was taken care of and always woke up with a plan. When our kids were little, he always said, "We have to tag team, we can't let them wear us out." Troy was a very proud dad and pawpaw. He loved talking about the kids and grandkids and what they were involved in. Troy worked so hard for our family, from sunup to sundown, but of course, he took some time out for the 49ers!

Troy Paul Reeves, age 55 of Gretna, NE, entered God's kingdom on October 8th, 2025. Troy was born on April 4, 1970, in Omaha, NE, to Lyndia Sylvia Reeves and joined his brother, Clay Paul Reeves.
They grew up in the California area, and Troy moved back to Omaha after losing his mother in 1982. Troy attended and is a proud member of the Boys Town High School Alumni. Troy had been enjoying connecting with all his classmates over the past few years. Troy loved to fish, cook/grill, and he loved his big white truck and was so proud of his mowing business. He enjoyed going to all the kids' and grandkids' activities and those 49ers football game days. We had to always do a photoshoot of him in his 49ers gear. He also loved his dog Bella. Troy loved his job as a chef at Silveridge; he loved his coworkers and making the residents feel loved.

Troy is survived by his love Carrie of 22 years, his oldest son, Trenton Paul, and his four children, Jayden, Jaida, Laila, and Londyn, daughter Arianna Grace, son Brenden James, and daughter Aliyah Marie, and his brother, Clay Paul. Troy is survived by many other family members and close relatives, and his great friends.

Funeral Service, Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at Journey Church, 20020 Hampton Drive, Gretna, NE 68028
Visitation, Friday, October 17, 2025, from 9-10 am at the church.
Interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Omaha, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

10/10/2025

Patsy Sue Portrey Mandery of Greenwood entered into eternal rest at her home in Greenwood on October 8, 2025 following a brief illness. Patsy was born on April 26, 1946 in Falls City Nebraska to David and Margaret Portrey of Falls City and was number 9 of 10 children. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Roger, siblings Benard, Jack, Bill, Ron, Dennis, Micheal, Kay, Jean, and Betty. She is survived by her children Don (Marilyn), Rhonda (Kenny), grandchildren John (Megan), Donalyn (Jacob), Russell, Kendra (Allison) , great grandchildren Luke, Calvin Jr., Adilyn, Brother-in-law Ray (Nancy) and sister-in-law Carol (Bo), nephew (like a brother) Larry (Joyce) Kirkendale and numerous other nieces, nephews and friends.

Patsy was a homemaker, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friends to many. She worked outside the home at many manufacturing companies in Lincoln. Patsy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greenwood. She enjoyed playing Bunco with her friends. She was a member of the Greenwood Library Board, Friends of the Library and was a custodian for a local business in Greenwood.

Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday (10/15/2025) 10:30 a.m. with 10:00 a.m. Rosary at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 7 Oak St, Greenwood, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Robert Matya.
Visitation, Tuesday 5-7 p.m. at Marcy Mortuary, Ashland, NE.
Interment at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, Greenwood, NE.

Memorials in care of the family.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15rh Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

10/06/2025

Patricia Louise (Marquardt) Washburn, 68, of Omaha, NE.

April 8, 1957 - October 2, 2025

Pat was born April 8, 1957 in Norfolk, NE to Lester and Anna (Barry) Marquardt. She died October 2, 2025 in Omaha, NE. Pat grew up in rural Battle Creek, Nebraska and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1975. Pat worked various jobs in Norfolk and was an avid cake decorator for many years. In 1994 she married Marlyn Washburn. They lived in Neligh, Exira, IA, and Lawton, IA, before retiring to Omaha. She enjoyed serving her community as the city clerk in Lawton, where she was honored as the Iowa Rural Water Association City Clerk of the Year in 2010. Pat also enjoyed her experiences as a CNA while they lived in Lawton. Upon retirement in 2014, Pat and Marlyn enjoyed traveling the country, watching grandchildrens’ activities, and spending time with their family. After Marlyn passed away from breast cancer in 2017, Pat made it her mission to get the word out about male breast cancer. Pat’s advocacy touched thousands of lives throughout the country and even overseas.

Pat is survived by her sisters Judy (Rod) Gross, Shirley Pochop, daughter Tonja (Aaron) Taylor, step-children Tom (Maureen) Leathers, Tim (Emily Bromley) Leathers, Barbara (Darin) Lovercheck, Jill (Steve) Peterson, Chris (Jenny) Washburn, Charley (Suzanne) Washburn, and Steven (Grace) Washburn, and grandchildren Tyler, Leah, Dillon, Caitlin, Emma, Emily, Andrea, Alyssa, Justine, Taylor, Laura, Joseph, Blake, Lance, Troy, Trevor, Skye, Cael, Catrina, Finnigan, Caleb, Titus, Isaiah, and Peter. Pat also had 20 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. :) Pat is preceded in death by her husband Marlyn, her parents, three sisters (Marie, Betty Jean, and an infant sister), brothers-in-law Dale McClatchey and Jerry Pochop.

Funeral Service, Thursday (10/9/25) at 10:30 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wahoo, NE.

Visitation, Wednesday (10/8/25) 5-8pm with sharing of memories beginning at 6:30 pm all at Marcy Mortuary in Ashland, NE.

Private inurnment at Morningside Cemetery in Mead, NE.

Memorials may be directed toward the Marlyn and Patricia (Marquardt) Washburn Memorial Scholarship (Wayne State College), The Men 2 Program at The CARE Project, Inc., or donor's choice.

Everyone is asked to dress casually and wear pink and blue to both services.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street,
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

09/24/2025

Tracy L. Strahan, 61 of Ashland, NE entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born September 28, 1963 in Lincoln, NE to James Sr. and Carolyn (Johnson) Strahan. He attended Ashland-Greenwood High School. Following high school he joined the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Rhonda Brown on October 28, 1983.

Tracy spent many years working at Western Sand and Gravel/Buel Trucking prior to starting his own trucking company. He was the owner/operator of Strahan Trucking alongside his wife Rhonda for the last 10 years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren as they meant the world to him. He enjoyed fishing, attending auctions, traveling with his wife and cheering on the Denver Broncos. Tracy always had a hand to lend when in need or a joke to share when your day was long; his voice of reason will be missed by many. In true trucker fashion he left this earth at 10:07am; 10-7 good buddies, farewell.

Tracy is survived by his wife, Rhonda Strahan; son, Shawn (Amy) Strahan; daughter, Katrina (Jake) Blakley; grandchildren, Carsen, Presley, Bentlee, Erin, Beau and Cheyenne; father, James “Jim” Strahan Sr. and many other family members and friends.

Tracy was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn “Faye” Strahan; brothers, Jerry Strahan and James Strahan Jr.

Visitation, Saturday (9/27/25) 11:00 – 1:00 pm with Military Honors at 1:00 pm all at Marcy Mortuary.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street,
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

09/09/2025

John L. McVay, 75 of Omaha, NE, entered into rest on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Omaha Nursing & Rehab Center in Omaha, NE. He was born October 7, 1949 in Chappell, Nebraska to Orville and Marjorie (Piller) McVay. In 1968, John graduated from Bryan High School in Omaha, NE, as the school’s first graduating class.
John was united in marriage on December 24, 1974 to Janet Conway in Omaha, Nebraska. He spent many years working for Union Pacific Railroad and the Sitel Corporation in Omaha, NE. John was an avid Nebraska fan, and he also enjoyed art, photography and listening to music.

He is survived by his sons, Wes McVay and Brian (Jessica) McVay; grandchildren, Mailey McVay and Laiken McVay; brothers, Jim McVay and Thomas (Theora) McVay; many nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet McVay; brother, Jeffrey McVay; nephew, Nicholas McVay and sister-in-law, Barbara McVay.

Celebration of Life, Sunday (9/14/2025) 1:00 p.m. Sharing of Memories with the celebration from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. all at the home of Tom & Theora McVay, 2206 Clay St., Ashland, NE.
Interment, at a later date, at Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, NE.

Memorials In Care of the Family for Future Designation
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

09/09/2025

Karen A. Wischmann, 80, of Ashland, NE, entered into rest on Monday, September 8, 2025 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. She was born July 19, 1945 in Council Bluffs, IA to Alvoidy and Margaret (Burke) Kirkpatrick. Karen graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA in 1964. On June 16, 1973, Karen was united in marriage to George Wischmann at American Lutheran Church in Ashland, NE. She worked for Western Electric until her marriage to George.

Karen was a hard-working farm wife & a loving mom. She raised & butchered chickens in the spring and fall & took care of pigs from the time they were born until they were sold. She also gardened and canned the vegetables that came from that garden. At harvest time she could be found helping George, either in the combine or hauling corn or beans in. Her passions were raising dogs, namely Minatare Schnauzers and Shih Tzus which she raised for 28 years until retiring from raising dogs in 2010. Many of her dogs were champions & she sold & shipped dogs worldwide. Her other passion was loving her family. Her home was always open for a sit-down talk or a home cooked meal. She was married to her beloved, George, for 50 years until his passing in 2024.

She is survived by her children, Bruce (Jill) Wischmann, Loretta (James) Dimmitt and William (Julie) Wischmann; grandchildren, Michaela (Patrick) Menke, Shelby (Jeff) Stewart, Kyra (Justin) McWilliams, Scott Wischmann, Parker Dimmitt, Chase Dimmitt, Emma Wischmann and Lillian Wischmann; Five great-grandchildren; siblings, Raymond Kirkpatrick & Kathy Coppock; many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; parents, Alvoidy and Margaret Kirkpatrick; brother, Richard Kirkpatrick; sister, Laura Lawson.

Funeral Service, Friday (9/12/25) 10:30 am at Riverview Community Church in Ashland.
Visitation, Friday (9/12/25) 9-10:30am at the church.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

09/02/2025

Jeffrey “Jay” Hofferber, 52 of Ashland, NE entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
He was born September 4, 1972 in Wheat Ridge, CO to Charles and Sharon (White) Hofferber.
He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1991. He was united in marriage to Christa Clark
on September 21, 2002 in Des Moines, IA. He was the owner and operator of Deck It in
Ashland, NE.

Jay’s family meant the world to him. He loved spending time with his family and friends on a
boat or tailgating at a Husker game.

Jay is survived by his wife, Christa Hofferber; sons, Brendan Gillming & Carson Hofferber;
brother, Eugene (Lynette) Hofferber and their children, Brittani (Trevor) Gregg, Morgan
(Brendan) Molden & Nathan Hofferber; many great-nieces and nephews; parents-in-law, Craig
and Sally Clark; sister-in-law, Jennifer Clark and her son Christopher Geyer; other family
members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sharon Hofferber; infant brother, Mark
Hofferber.

Funeral Service, Friday, (9/5/25) 1:00 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ashland, NE.

Visitation, Friday (9/5/25) 11:00 – 1:00 pm at the church.

Private family interment at Czechoslovakia Cemetery in Farwell, NE

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15 th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

08/31/2025

Our beloved father, Arthur J. Claycomb of Eagle, NE passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the age of 81 in Lincoln surrounded by his family. He was born on January 23, 1944 in Omaha, NE to Boyd and Marie (O’Hare) Claycomb. He attended Greenwood Elementary, Waverly Grade School and graduated from Waverly High School in 1963.
Arthur was united in marriage to Erma Singleton on January 20, 1968 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE. From this union four children were born, Susie, Bobby, Barbie and Sandy.

Art was a farmer, he also owned and operated Art and Erma’s Bar & Grill in Greenwood. He
drove a semi-truck where he hauled grain and fruits, and worked at the Nebraska State Penitentiary where he was manager of the power plant and had also managed a power plant in Hallam, NE and drove a semi for the Waverly Co-op.

Art was a 25-year member of the Greenwood Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, serving 14
years as assistant Chief and 11 years as Chief. He helped organize the Greenwood Rescue Squad
with Wayne Howard and LeRoy Tinnean. He was also an Eagle’s Club member and former Boy
Scout Leader.

In 2017 Art and Erma purchased a motorhome and spent the winters in Sun City, AZ. He
enjoyed tractor pulls where he won many trophies and was a huge fan of NASCAR officially being a member of the Richard Petty Fan Club for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Erma Claycomb of 57 years; daughters, Susan Brees of Lincoln, NE, Barbie (Shawn) Suhr of Eagle, NE, & Sandy (Dave) Reichel of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Marcus (Breanna) Brees of Lincoln, NE, Jacob (Kara) Brees of Lincoln, NE, Darcy Suhr and special friend, Jordan Covert of Lincoln, NE, Justin Suhr of Eagle, NE, Bobby Reichel and special friend, Mia Brandle of Lincoln, NE, & Katey Reichel of Lincoln, NE. Step great-grandchildren, Jackie Brees, Kaeden Brees & two great grandchildren on the way. Brothers, Jerry (Soni) Claycomb of Lincoln, NE, Dennis (Lana) Claycomb of Waverly, NE. Sister-in-law, LaVerna Singleton; brother-in-law, Paul Singleton; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bob Claycomb; parents, Boyd and Marie Claycomb;
brother, Wayne Claycomb; great-grandson, Tate Brees; grandparents, Paul and Ella Claycomb,
James and Martha O’Hare; parents-in-law, Lester and Frances Singleton; brother and sister-in-law, Jerome and Helen Singleton; sister-in-law,
Ellen Singleton.

Funeral Service, Saturday (9/6/25) 10:30 am at Riverview Community Church in Ashland, NE.

Visitation, Friday (9/5/25) 5-7 pm at Marcy Mortuary in Ashland, NE

Interment at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Greenwood, NE with a luncheon to follow at Greenwood Fire Station

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68066

08/09/2025

Lester A. Roeber passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 77 years old. He was born to Leonard and LaVerna (Gakemeier) Roeber on September 28, 1947 in Lincoln, NE. Lester was baptized on November 2, 1947, and confirmed on March 26, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Murdock which he attended his entire life. He was the second to the oldest of five children. He attended Fairland District #34 Country School until going to Ashland where he graduated in 1965.

He was drafted into the military and served in the U.S. Army from November 29, 1966, to November 24, 1968, during the Vietnam War. He took his basic military training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Then his AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona before being assigned to the 475th Transportation Company at Ft. Riley, KS where he was stationed from April 10, 1967, to December 8, 1967. He was promoted to Sergeant E5 on November 25, 1967. Then he was sent to Vietnam and assigned to the 541st Transportation Company from January 24, 1968, to November 21, 1968, in which he served during the most intense time in the Vietnam War, the TET Offensive. During his time in Vietnam, he was stationed and spent most of his time there at An Khe, Pleiku, Kontum, and Dak To. Upon returning from his military service being honorably discharged, he farmed in the Ashland area with his father and brothers his entire life. As a result of his time serving in Vietnam and from being sprayed with Agent Orange, he struggled most of his life with health issues especially within the last 20 years. He fought wartime battles long after the war was over.

He married the love of his life Karen Grundman on May 10, 1985. They had two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer. Lester’s family was very important to him. He loved his combine and giving his grandkids a ride in it during harvest time. It was such a joy to him to give each of his grandsons a toy combine just like “Grandpa’s” when they were born.

Lester was a 4-H Club leader of the Fairland Giants for 25 years. He was on the Board of Directors for the Greenwood Farmer’s Co-op. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He loved going to sprint car races, watching UNL basketball games, and attending 4-H livestock shows.

On May 1, 2017, Lester, although not good in health, went on a Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C. He enjoyed getting to see the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Washington Monument.

Lester is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Karen; his daughters, Michelle (Ben) Richter of Lincoln and Jennnifer (Devin) Claus of Ashland; four grandsons, Theodore and August Richter and Christian and Noah Claus; siblings, LeRoy (Linda) Roeber, Lynn Roeber and Lisa (Dave) Reisen all of Ashland; brother and sister in-laws, Elaine (Jerry) Moore and Richard (Chris) Grundman of Lincoln, Edward Damme, Dianne Bohlken and Ronald (Marybeth) Grundman all of Talmage; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and LaVerna Roeber, his in-laws Ralph and Ruby Grundman, his older brother and sister in-law Larry and Sharon Roeber, sister-in-law Donna Damme and brother-in-law Jim Bohlken.

Funeral Service, Saturday (8/16/25) at 10:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 31104 Church Rd. Murdock, NE 68407.

Visitation, Friday (8/15/25) 6-8 pm with prayer service at 6:00 pm all at the church.

Interment with Military Honors Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

07/28/2025

Linda L. Thurman was born July 21, 1953, in Hot Springs, South Dakota to C. Robert and Dorothy Todd. She went to glory on Tuesday July 22nd surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her father, C. Robert Todd, Her son, Todd Grimm, Kim Jamison and beloved sister-in-law, Jayne Todd.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy, her brothers Larry and (Karen) Todd and Wayne Todd and Jeff Thurman her husband of 39 and half years. Her children and grandchildren are listed as follows. Daughter Elizabeth and husband Monte Roetman and their children; Austin Fuehrer and (Jordan), Natalie and (Jake) Becerra. Daughter Crystal and husband Doug Hampton and their children: Kennedy and (Damien) Austen, Kane Hampton and (Makenna Butts.) Daughter Karyl and husband Travis Mason and their children: Brady Norgard and (Paige Breakfield), Dawson Mason, Kealy Mason. Son Joel Thurman and wife Lauren and their children: Hannah Thurman and Urnin Thurman. Daughter Tabitha Thurman and Corey Fleck and their child Wren Fleck. She has two great grandchildren: Knox Austen and Beckett Fuehrer. She is also survived by her former spouse and dear friend, Alan Grimm.

Now that the statistics are over here is the good stuff. The name Linda means beautiful. Linda was very pretty but she was truly beautiful. Her heart and soul were dazzling. She got the nickname “Uma” from one of her grandchildren because of the actress Uma Thurman. But “Uma” became a synonym for grandma. She had a sign made for the house that says, “Uma’s a place where cousins go to become best friends.” More than anything she wanted her children and grandchildren to be happy.

Three “Fs” define who Linda was and is. First is family. Linda was a loving daughter who continued to serve her mother. She was a loving mother. When the kids were in school, Linda was the cool mom that all their classmates liked. She was at every event and seemed to always have kind words and treats. She was that “special” grandmother who spoiled her grandkids. She was a wonderful wife and her husband, Jeff’s best friend. Her favorite times were family get togethers. She loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was a fantastic sister to her brothers and especially to her sister-in-law, Jayne.

Her generosity and spirit of love and joy was contagious. To be around Linda you couldn’t help but smile and laugh. She made quilts, blankets, table runners, art projects and other things that she gave away to family and friends. She made countless photo albums and calendars for her family. Unfortunately, she was also a collector so the house is full of treasures that the kids and grandkids will have to deal with.

Her family not only consisted of people but also pets. She had a menagerie of pets from guinea pigs to fish, to cats, to birds, to dogs. Her last dogs, Sage and Jonah were constant companions.

The second “f” is friends. Linda was the “best” friend of so many people. She was an excellent listener and very compassionate. When she worked in home health and in the nursing home as a cook and CNA her patients and clients were not patients and clients but friends. From high school to all the places she has lived she made close friends. She worked numerous jobs but never applied for any. Jobs found her. At all her jobs she became a vital member. When people found out she was the “pastor’s wife” they were always hesitant to get to know her for fear she would be stuffy or judgmental. They soon fell in love with her because of her compassion and gentle spirit. She also was very funny, laughed easily, and didn’t take herself too seriously. She liked to tell the story that one of her co-workers when she was working for Monsanto in Gothenburg said she was so different from what you would expect that she should come with a warning label.

The last “f” is her faith. It was and is the most important thing about Linda. It is her faith that made her so beautiful and made her “Uma.” Her bathroom mirror is full of scripture verses. She has a prayer notebook that is full of names of people she prayed for. She saved Christmas cards and hid them around the house so that when she found one cleaning, she would remember to pray for them. During Advent she put all the Christmas cards from the last year in a pile and would go through them praying for the people who sent them.

She was an incredible helpmate to Jeff in the ministry. She played the piano in some of their churches, directed bells or chimes or vocal choirs. She sang in the praise band. When they were launching a new church in Northeast Lincoln, she opened their home to hold church. She taught Sunday school, helped with Vacation Bible School, helped with Walk to Emmaus, took all the “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” courses and helped lead Alpha courses. We will never forget “boomwackers” and the movement of the Holy Spirit on the weekend retreats.

But the best evidence of her faith was her prayer life. She prayed the Rosary daily only she didn’t pray it she mediated on it. She knew the scriptures so the prayers and creeds that are repeated were not done in a rote or mechanical way. She was contemplative. She sang and worshipped daily. Her home was a place of constant prayer and worship. It was a refuge from the world. You couldn’t enter her home and not feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Her death was and is a great loss to her family and friends. But she is with Jesus. Paul wrote to the Philippians that to live is Christ but to die is gain. That was true for Linda. She is no longer in pain. She is reunited with her loved ones who are already there, and she waits for us to join her. It is our loss but her gain.

There is a song sung by Jenna Johnson that sums up Linda’s faith and grateful heart called “The goodness of God.”

“I love you Lord for your mercy never fails me. All my days I’ve been held in your hands. From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head. Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

And all my life you have been faithful. And all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able. Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

That was and is Linda. Only her body has died. She still lives. She loved her family. She loved her friends. She loved Jesus and she lived, loved, and sang of the goodness of God.

Visitation with the family is Wednesday July 30,, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 PM. at Ashland Global Methodist Church, 1442 Adams Street, Ashland, Nebraska.

Funeral services Thursday July 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM. at Ashland Global Methodist Church, 1442 Adams Street Ashland, Nebraska.

Memorials can go to the family who will distribute them later to some of Linda’s special causes.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68003
402-944-3343

07/21/2025

Barbara Smith, 83, of Council Bluffs, IA, entered into rest on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at CHI Mercy Council Bluffs. She was born September 4, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to Tom and Gusta Houston.

Barbara was a free spirit who loved cooking, cleaning and bird watching. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gale Rawson; children, Sherrie Smith, David (Staci) Smith and Johnny (Kathy) Smith; brother, Scott Houston; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Gusta Houston; ex-husband, Charles Smith; son, Tracy Smith; granddaughter, McKenna Smith; grandson, Aidan Smith.

Funeral Service, Friday (7/25/2025) 11:00 a.m. at Marcy Mortuary, Ashland, NE.

Memorials to the Huntington’s Disease Association.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Marcy Mortuary
104 N. 15th Street
Ashland, NE 68066
402-944-3343

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