Barbara Jean Smith, born July 24, 1949, in Omaha to Herman and Alice Alt. She was raised in Lincoln, and graduated from University High School in 1967, then Midland College and the College of Professional Dental Assistants in 1970. Member of Grace Lutheran Church and served faithfully on the Church Council and Alder Guild. She was also, at times, Sunday School superintendent and assistant minister. She raised five children: Jennifer Schwarting (Terry), Christopher Rathjen (Kari), Heather Boyd (Charlie), Shawn Rathjen (Joanie), and Savannah Smith (Rolando).

Barbara was employed by Woodman Accident and Life company for 20 great years, and was part of the Lincoln Memorial family for the last six. She has also been a deputy sheriff and corrections officer, vet tech, dog groomer, dental assistant, waitress, and candy striper. In her later years, Barbara explored Alaska with her eldest son (Chris), and drug some of her more susceptible children out of a perfectly good airplane.

Barbara is survived by her children, her brother; Jim Hoyt, sister; Tish Larsen, grandchildren: Bill Rathjen, Megan Hoyt, Alyn Fogarty, Korena Boyd, Kelsey Boyd, Max Rathjen, Blake Rathjen, LilyAnn Newman, Kaylea Brega, and great-grandchild; Clayton. She is preceded in death by her husband; Senior Chief Ronald Smith, her father; Herman Alt, mother; Alice Hoyt, dad; Edgar Hoyt, brothers: Roger Alt and Tommy Alt, her sister; Diane Alt.

Visitation from 6 -8 pm Friday, May 24, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln. Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Grace Lutheran Church, 2225 Washington Street, Lincoln. May leave condolences at lincolnfh.com.

Source: https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/barbara-jean-smith/article_e0707281-de0c-5843-ade6-f5d0e4842f00.html