Lewise W. Smallfoot

Lewise W. Smallfoot, age 90, of Gibbon and formerly of Farnam, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2013 at the Veterans Home in Grand Island. She was born January 20, 1923 at Ingham, NE to Ira and Ella (Adkisson) Wear. The family moved to Farnam and she attended Farnam Public School, graduating in 1940. She took normal classes and started teaching the next fall. She received a teaching certificate from Kearney Teachers College and taught in several Eusits and Farnam area schools. In the summers, she worked for area farmers hauling grain. Lewise married Alvin F. Smallfoot on July 18, 1946 in Oberlin, KS. They lived in Farnam and she taught until they began their family. She worked part-time at the Farnam Library, Montgomery Store and at Smallfoot Plumbing and Electric. Moving to Gibbon in 1968, Lewise worked for Unimart in Kearney becoming the head bookkeeper and worked there until her retirement. She was a faithful member of the Farnam Methodist Church and the Gibbon Faith United Church. She was active in Rebecca Lodge, Legion, and VFW Auxillaries. Her family was always a top priority. She was an amazing seamstress making clothes for the whole family. Lewise was also a great cook and everyone enjoyed sharing a meal in her home. She painted ceramics and made keepsakes for her family, continuing when she moved to the Grand Island Veterans Home. One of her fond memories was serving at the Canteen in North Platte during WWII. Lewise and her cousin Edna would take cake and sandwiches on the train ride from Gothenburg to North Platte. She would mention you always needed an extra cake in case it was a soldier’s birthday. They danced with the soldiers and served delicious food to encourage them during their service. Lewise was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, her parents, three brothers; Carl, Alfred, and Arthur, three sisters; Delilah, Marie, and Lucette. Survivors include three sons; Kevin (Brenda) of Danville, IN, Gaylord (Kathy) of Eustis, NE and Marc (Marlyn) of Lincoln, NE, daughter; Christie (Mark) Lind of Gurley, NE, 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grand children, 3 great-great-grand children, nieces and nephews that include Marvin (Bev) Halley of Farnam and Irene (Bill) Hilker of Axtell, NE, other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in her memory. Memorial services will be 10:30 am Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Gibbon Faith United Church in Gibbon. Graveside services will be 2:30 pm, Friday, at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Cremation was chosen. Online condolences may be shared at wwwberrymanfuneralhome.com