Darlene Fay Smith

Darlene Faye (Feddersen) Smith, age 87, of Minden, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, surrounded by her family. 

Darlene was born on April 6, 1939, in Lexington, Nebraska, to William“Bill” Feddersen and Anna (Knoop) Feddersen. She spent most of her childhood on the family farm first near Cozad, then on the Lomax farm between Oconto and Eddyville and finally near Cozad. Those years were filled with memories that she shared throughout her life with her children and grandchildren. 

She attended Lomax District 65 Country School through the eighth grade before graduating from Oconto High School in 1956. At the encouragement of her sister, Aileen, Darlene attended secretarial school in Republican City, where she learned typing and shorthand. 

Following her education, Darlene worked at the Dawson County Courthouse until she married the love of her life, Keith Smith of Oconto, on April 13, 1968. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, and were blessed with three daughters: Karmen, Kanda, and Kyla. 

After her daughters were in school, Darlene returned to the workforce at VVS in Cozad, where she remained until her retirement. She also spent time working alongside her husband’s aunt, Linnea Dillon, helping clean rooms at the Cozad Motel. 

Retirement allowed Darlene to devote herself to the people she loved most. She found great joy tending her garden, reading, sewing, and embroidery. Above all, she treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, faithfully attending their activities and celebrating life’s special moments with them. Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and they will forever cherish the memories they shared. 

Darlene is survived by her three daughters: Karmen (Mark) Morse of Cozad, Nebraska; Kanda Smith of Shawnee, Kansas; and Kyla (Jess) Putnam Jr. of Minden, Nebraska. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Amberlyn (Nicholas) Cullers of Cozad, Kolton Morse of Kearney, Tyler Steenbock of Shawnee, Kansas, Tanner Steenbock of Shawnee, Kansas, Jacob Putnam of Minden, and Ashtynn (Isaac) Steinhauser of Stanton. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Hayzlee, Jensen, and Beckett Cullers of Cozad. 

Additional survivors include her sister, Aileen (Chuck) Johnson; sistersin- law Jean Feddersen of Elm Creek, Marlene (Junior) Watermeier of Burr, and Karen Smith of Edina, Minnesota; brother-in-law Kerschiel (Kathy) Smith of Allen, Texas; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Keith Smith; her parents, Bill and Anna (Knoop) Feddersen; her in-laws, Kenneth and Myrtle (Beck) Smith; her sister, Alice (Kenny) Vollenweider; her brother, Dale Feddersen; and her brother-in-law, Kermit Smith. 

Darlene will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and unconditional love for her family. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to those she loved leave a lasting legacy that will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with those she loved. 

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Services will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church in Cozad, NE with Pastor Bellarmee Milosi officating. Burial will follow at the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.