Cheryl Smedra, 76

Cheryl Smedra, 76, of Ord made her journey with Jesus on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, at CHI Good Samaritan Health Center in Kearney, Nebraska following a long battle with medical issues.
Cheryl Sue was born January 24, 1948, in St. Paul, Nebraska to Esther Louise Manchester. She was raised in Ord where she received her education.
On November 6, 1965, Cheryl was united in marriage to John R. Smedra in Ord, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with four children: Cori, Chris, Dominic and Shelsi.
Being a homemaker and caring for her family were Cheryl’s priorities. She also had many career paths. Some included general manager of the L Street Mini Mart; owner of Daylight Donuts, and officer manager of her husband’s businesses, Smedra Electric Motor Repair and Valley Grain Management. She retired after many cherished years at St. Mary’s School as the secretary.
Cheryl was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was passionate about her Catholic Faith and enjoyed being a CCD educator and Eucharistic Minister. As a member of the Parish Activities Committee, her major accomplishments included successfully petitioning for the St. Mary’s Kindergarten program and reinstating the church bazaar.
Cheryl was a long time member of the VFW Auxiliary; serving as President from 2017 to 2021. She was a member of the Ord Chamber of Commerce and served as President for many years as well.
Cheryl enjoyed reading, camping and fishing; and as a homemaker she liked trying new recipes, gardening and canning. She spent time traveling, shopping and watching anything western.
Cheryl had a deep love for her family. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 58 years, John; daughter, Cori Nickels; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Chris Smedra and Dominic and Becky Smedra; daughter and son-in-law, Shelsi Smedra (Mani Gutierrez); eleven grandchildren, Tierra, Ashlyn, Kaden, Reba, Dylon, Gage, Grace, Leo, Morgan, Xander, and Ariana; eight great-grandchildren, Draydan, Dexton, Kenzly, Kambrey, Kora, Kelby, Knox, Dutton, and one expectant great-grandchild; many aunts; nieces; nieces; nephews; extended family; and many life-long friends that became family over the years.
She was preceded in death by her mother; grandparents; Gerald and Ora Manchester; parents-in-law, John and Grace Smedra; son-in-law, Mike Nickels; numerous aunts and uncles; extend family; and beloved friends.
A Christian Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024; at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, Nebraska. Father Scott Harter and Father Mark Maresh will be the Mass Celebrants. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Church prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice to be designated at a later date. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com