Judy Ann (Hewett) Smith, the only child of Loren Hewett and Novella Ann (Nichol) Hewett, was born in Norton, Kansas. She lived her first four years in the Cactus Community north of Logan, Kansas before moving with her parents east of Beaver City, Nebraska. Growing up in this area, and attending Beaver City grade and High School, graduating in 1966. Attending church at Hollinger, Nebraska she was active in the youth group and attended many wonderful social events at the church, growing spiritually as well as being a part of a loving, caring and sharing church family. In 1966, Judy attended the Holdrege Beauty Academy receiving her cosmetology license. On May 6th, 1967 she married Jerry Lee Smith. Born to this marriage were three children, a daughter Dawne Michelle, and two sons, Travis Wade and Branden Kyle. Jerry and Judy set up their home in Cambridge, Nebraska where Judy worked as a cosmetologist until they moved to Minden, Nebraska in March of 1970. While living in Cambridge, Judy helped Jerry set up youth t-ball for the area children. In 1972, they purchased an acreage southwest of Minden and attended Bethany Lutheran church. Judy was active in the Women’s church groups and teaching Sunday School and Bible School until they moved to York, Nebraska in December of 1979. There she became PTA President for Lincoln Elementary School. She was also active at Peace Lutheran Church with youth and women’s groups. Being a homemaker for her family was her greatest joy. She also enjoyed having neighborhood and family gatherings. In May of 1982, the family moved to Joplin, Missouri (as Jerry was transferred with the US Department of Agriculture). Once gain she became involved at Peace Lutheran Church and later at Park Plaza Christian Church, both in Joplin. She was also involved in the schools her children attended in Neosho, Missouri. In 1986, Judy started working for the United States Post Office, A job she thoroughly enjoyed. 1997 brought a calmness as Jerry and Judy bought a cabin at Eagle Rock, Missouri. They spent many days and weekends of quiet time, from the everyday routine, a time of R&R and lots of enjoyment. She and Jerry also attended the All Faith United Methodist Church at Eagle Rock. In July of 2005, the cabin was sold so more time could be spent with their grandchildren. Survivors include her loving husband Jerry of Webb City, Missouri. A daughter Dawne and husband Doug Hicks, a grandson Kolbe James and a granddaughter Addison Grace, all of Neck City, Missouri. A son, Travis Smith and wife Stephanie, and 3 granddaughters, Alexis Lauren, Mallory Ashtyn and Kinzlea Reese, of Oronogo, Missouri. A son, Branden Smith and wife Kim, and 2 grandons Kael Hewett and Kanten Madex and a granddaughter Kynden Reece, of Neosho, Missouri. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Park Plaza Christian Church, 3220 S. Indiana, Joplin, Mo with B.A. Austin, Minister, Officiating. Memorial contributions are requested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of the Mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory of Joplin, Mo.

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