Esther Jane Smith, known to everyone who knew her as Jane, was born on August 30, 1929, in Naper, Nebraska, to Julius and Grace Kortmeyer. Jane was the youngest of nine children. She passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022, at the age of 92 years at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, NE.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Barney, her second born son Roy, her granddaughter Tabatha, twin grandsons Lewis and Lamont and all her brothers and sisters. Jane is survived by her son Ronald, daughters Renee and Rhonda, as well as grandson Lou Abold, great-grandson Jeremiah Morton, great-granddaughters Natascha Vollmer and Amber Pena and great-great granddaughter Azariah Pena.
Jane devoted her life to her family and friends, ensuring that her children were raised in a Christian atmosphere. She always greeted people with a friendly smile and a hug. Crocheting and baking were among her greatest hobbies. Jane worked as many as two jobs throughout her adult life while caring for her family and volunteering to baby sit grandchildren on her days off.
Jane will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, 2:00 PM at the Chamberlain-Pier Chapel, Gordon, NE. A memorial has been established for the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home and donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.