Leita C. Smith, 95, of North Platte, died Jan. 21, 2005 at Linden Court.

She was born July 5, 1909, in Frontier County near Farnam to Andrew and Grace Cecil Messersmith. She attended schools in various Nebraska towns and high school in Bertrand.

She was united in marriage to Harold C. Smith on March 16, 1927, in Holdrege. They moved to North Platte in 1928. They also lived in Corvallis, Ore., and Cheyenne, Wyo., later returning to North Platte.

Mrs. Smith was a 50-year member of the United Methodist Church, a former president and treasurer of the Blue Star Mothers, BPO Does and Eagles Auxiliary. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, cards, camping, and was active in the North Platte Canteen.

Survivors include three sons, Gordon (Shirley), Drexel (Jean), Blaine (Juanita); and a daughter-in-law, Elsie Smith, all of North Platte; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1989; her son, Don; her brother, Kenneth Messersmith; a daughter-in-law, LaVonne Smith; and a great-granddaughter, Haley Smith.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Cathy Cole of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today and 8:30 a.m. till service time on Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte.

North Platte Telegraph, 23 Jan 2005