Marian Estella Smith

Marian E. (Hughes) Smith was born June 1, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska to Walter and Emma (Kobs) Hughes. She grew up in Waterloo, Nebraska and attended J3 Country School on Q Street, and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1957. Marian made her home in the Waterloo, King Lake, and Two Rivers area, and was mom to Rob, Vickie, Tami and Scott. She worked for several years with All American Fundraising as well as Rob-See-Co Dryers. Marian was a strong and stubborn woman, but she loved everyone and had many friends. She cherished her extended family, enjoyed her time at family gatherings, and loved to give everyone a hug. She was a fan of country music and enjoyed listening to Elvis and Johnny Cash and was a big Husker fan. She liked a good card game and a good drink or a cold beer and liked to watch horse races at the bar. Marian especially loved spending time with her sister, Virginia. They would go to garage sales together, and Marian was always on the look-out for knick-knacks, candy or anything else Virginia may like. She loved to have gifts for Tami and Scott, too, or whatever treasure she came across that she thought would make a good gift for a special friend. Marian made it a habit to always have candy or snacks to give to her family, too. In her quiet time, Marian enjoyed watching the wildlife in her yard and tending to her plants. She missed her dog, Nickel, and missed going to the cabin with Ray and his children, whom she claimed as her own. Marian passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Arbor Care Center-Valhaven in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 18 days. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter & Emma Hughes, son Robby Smith, infant daughter Vickie Smith, ex-husband Robert Smith, granddaughter Angela LaBar, and life partner Ray Ullrich. Marian is survived by her daughter Tami (Russ) LaBar, son Scott (Angie) Smith, grandchildren Krissy (Dave) Simon, Michael (Claire) Smith and Nickolas LaBar, great grandchildren Kortlan, Brendan, and Elisabeth Franke, and sister Virginia (Tom) Geiser. Funeral service Wednesday, 11 AM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. Private interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Tuesday, 5-7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Memorials to the Waterloo Fire & Rescue Department.

Marian Estella Smith

June 1, 1939 - September 18, 2025