Jacklyn Smith

Former Campbell resident Jacklyn J. Smith, 86, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021, at her son’s home in Bellevue, NE.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 25, at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, in Campbell with Pastor Mark Diehl officiating. Burial will be at Campbell Presbyterian Cemetery in Campbell. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Thursday with family present 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Westminster United Presbyterian Church or Hillcrest Hospice, Bellevue, NE.

Jacklyn was born November 12, 1934, in Campbell, NE to Fredrick L. & Ruby L. (Lindgren) Brunke. She graduated from Campbell High School, received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and attended one year of a Master’s program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Jacklyn married Ramon G. “Ray” Smith on December 26, 1952, in Smith Center, KS; he preceded her in death on April 9, 2007.

Jacklyn served as a State Representative and Community Program Coordinator for the Nebraska Bicentennial Commission as a part of the Nation-Wide Celebration of its 200 ^th Birthday of America. She worked with the Nebraska Bicentennial Office until its closing date in April of 1977. In 1984, she was elected Nebraska State Senator for the 34 ^th District; comprised of Hastings, the rural area, and communities throughout Adams County. She held that office for 7 ½ years before being appointed by the Governor to head the Nebraska State Office On Aging Services. In 1993, she resigned that position to develop and direct a new concept, based on legislation she had sponsored and passed in the Legislature; titled Office of Care Management for the Elderly. She was a member of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Campbell, as well as many local, State, and Civic organizations.

Jacklyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; son, R. John Smith; brother, Gary Brunke; and sisters, Jerrylyn Kuhlman and Janice Choquette.

SURVIVORS:
Sons & Daughters-in-law:
Robb G. Smith – Palmer, NE
Jeff S. & Susan Smith – Blue Hill, NE
C. Kurt & Susan Smith – Bellevue, NE
Shona Smith – Hastings, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Shane & Jenn Warren
Logan Smith & Jamie Ellis
Jamie Smith
Justin Smith
Jared Smith
Kurt Smith & Wonhyong Chon
Heather Smith
Shannon Smith
Zachary Smith
Great-Granddaughter:
Brecklynn Warren
Brothers & Sisters-in-law:
Bob & Elaine Brunke
Charles & Sharon Brunke
Julie Brunke
Sisters & Brothers-in-law:
Jolene Sanger
Jayne & Gary Proskocil
Jacqueline & Chuck Mason
Brother-in-law:
Douglas Choquette
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, other extended family, and many friends