Darlene F. Smith, 81, of Kearney, died Saturday, April 28, 2012 at her home. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating.  Burial will be at the Kearney Cemetery.  A Wake Service will be Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. James Catholic Church.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the church.  Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church.  A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com  Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Darlene was born December 7, 1930 in Kearney to Pete and Christina (Richter) Ripp.  She graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney in 1948. 

Following high school, she was employed at Kaufman Wernert Department Store and Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Kearney.  Darlene married John (Jack) Smith on October 21, 1952 in Eddyville, Nebraska. Following the birth of their first child, she was a devoted homemaker throughout her entire life. Darlene was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She will be remembered for her gracious hospitality, delicious homemade meals served to family and friends and love of gardening.   Darlene found true joy in caring for others.

Darlene was a lifelong member of the Catholic Community of Kearney.  She was a member of  St.  James Altar Society and participated in many Prince of Peace committees.  For many years she enjoyed her membership with the Wellness Center at Good Samaritan Hospital

Surviving Relatives:

Husband ----------Jack Smith of Kearney, NE

Sons---------------Blase & Theresa Smith of Kearney, NE

                            John Smith of Basking Ridge, NJ

Daughters--------Anita and Lee Huddleston of Kearney, NE

                           Denise and Jack Coughlin of Kearney, NE

                           Darla and Bart Langenberg of Kearney, NE

Grandchildren ---Sarah Huddleston and Fiancé Mike Giboney of Kearney, NE

                           Hunter Smith of Kearney, NE

                           Lee Langenberg of Kearney, NE

Great Grandchild – Brynn Giboney of Kearney, NE

Darlene was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sydney Smith of Kearney, NE.