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Colton Ross Smith
1938 - 2016
Colton Ross Smith
1938 - 2016
Obituary
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Colton Smith Obituary
Colton Ross Smith
78
Died Dec. 24, 2016
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 14, 1938
Parents: Colton S. and Margaret (Brown) Smith
Graduate of Lincoln High School, Texas Christian University, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Married: Willa Delehoy June 30, 1960
Daughters and Sons-in-law, Shereen and Tom Mills,
Shawnie and Brian Motschenbacher
Grandchildren: TJ Mills, Tyler Mills, Jessica Mills, Samantha (Motschenbacher) & Adam Meirose, Colton Motschenbacher, Luka Thor, Emily Sears and Kristen Stupica.
Sister-in-Law Lola Stutheit.
Nephews and Nieces Mark Stutheit, Susanne Brooks, Michael & Lorinda Stutheit, Todd & Julie Stutheit, Scott & Tracy Stutheit, Billie Valentine, Kathie McBride, Phyllis & Ed Addis. Numerous cousins, great nieces & nephews, and great-great nieces & nephews. Sister Jeanne Holmquist.
Ross was an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance for 25 years and was a CLU. He returned to graduate school and obtained his Master’s Degree in Ed Psych at UNL and then was a counselor for Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Nebraska for 25 years.
Lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, serving as an Elder and driver for those who were unable to drive to church.
Eagle Scout. Coached junior high girls softball team, Batterettes. Racquetball enthusiast. Leader of Alopecia Support Groups, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Hospice Volunteer, Road to Recovery Volunteer driving cancer patients to appointments. Currently working toward establishing a Nebraska specialty license plate in recognition of Native Americans.
In memory of Ross--- please donate blood for those who are in need. Donate time to deliver Meals in Wheels. Volunteer to drive cancer patients to appointments though the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery.
Love one another.
Memorials to First Presbyterian Church.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 7, at First Presbyterian Church 17th and F Streets Lincoln Nebraska at 2:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindi Bray
February 1, 2017
Thank you for sharing Ross with myself and the Alopecia community. He will be sorely missed by all! Prayers for the family and friends of this wonderful man.
Thomas Schmid
January 13, 2017
Beth and I just learned of Ross' death in First Report. We are so sorry. He was a good friend, and an inspiration in the way he handled his illness. We are thinking of you all. Tom and Beth Schmid
January 7, 2017
Willa, Shereen and Shawnie and families,
I was shocked to read of Ross's passing. It's been a while since I last saw him so I was unaware that he was ill. I will always remember Ross and the three of you as wonderful neighbors for many years. My favorite recollection was when Ross and I did battle with the city over street trees -- and won! Ross was so good to so many people and did so with a great heart and love for everyone around him. He will be missed by many. Arlys and I send our condolences and prayers for strength to all of you. -- Bill Eddy, Lincoln
January 7, 2017
Willa and family,
Ross was one of life's true gifts to his family, friends, co-workers, clients etc.
He touched so many lives in so many positive ways. He was an outstanding counselor and an icon in state DVR. Kind, compassionate, excellent listening skills, made time for anyone, sense of humor and no negative statements. He was an advocate for many and voiced his concerns professionally with the administrative staff. I can hear his laugh, see his smile and heaven got a true gift with him. I enjoyed our many talks on some many different topics. He had a special way of making people see their potential and increase their self esteem. He loved his family and so proud of you. Hold on to your memories and support each other as we all cope differently. Love, Nicki Walter and Family
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January 6, 2017
Dear Willa,
I am so sorry to hear about your Ross's passing. You always said, "He is the love of my life," and I hope you and your family will be sustained by your loving memories of him.
Sincerely, Kathy Cain (Former Holmes Teacher)
Lisa Vosta
January 3, 2017
Ross Smith was the nicest person to know. You will be missed by many people. Thank you Ross for helping me out, always going the extra mile for our group. You took care of so many people.
Willa, he always spoke so kindly of you.
January 3, 2017
Willa
We are so sorry for your loss!
Our prayers & thoughts are with you.
Hope some day you can come back to swimming!
Eunice & Elliott Jagels
Kim Lawson
December 30, 2016
Such a kind man. It was my pleasure and honor to have met you both and been involved in Ross's cancer care. I will remember you two when my Hollyhock's come up next spring. Hoping that fond memories dry your tears in the days to come. Kim
December 30, 2016
"Ross was an angel on earth to me at a time of deep grief. He always went above and beyond the volunteer he was for hospice. He will always have a special place in my heart." Michelle Emerson (Austin, TX)
Opps previous picture I goofed. Uncle Ernie is between Uncle Ross & Aunt Lola. This picture my dad, Ross, Willa, Ernie, Lola front: mom & Aunt Kathy
Kathie McBride
December 29, 2016
Kathie McBride
December 29, 2016
Getting to know my uncle later in my life only made me wish I could have known him sooner. His kindness and generosity to those around him and beyond is known by many. He has left a wonderful legacy for his children and grandchildren by just being himself, showing them what is truly important in life. It's not fancy homes or cars but the compassion you give to others is what really matters. He was as quick with a laugh, and at times a corny joke, as he was with a helping hand where ever he saw a need. I quickly grew to love my uncle Ross as I did all my Nebraska and Texas relatives. And from them I learned that, even through his horrific pain, he wanted to make sure they were okay. That's the kind of man he was even up to the end. I'm glad he's out of pain but selfish enough to wish he had one more trip to Oregon so I could have another wonderful hugh hug from my uncle Ross. You are loved by many and your passing has left a big hole in our family! Love, your Oregon niece Kathie
BBQ on my deck Willa, Ross, my dad, Lola, my mom and aunt Kathy.
Kathie McBride
December 29, 2016
Lola Stutheit
December 29, 2016
He was always the best, the kindest, ever thoughtful, loving, and most caring brother-in-law who will be missed; but he left us with many memories that will last till eternity. Ross exemplified his Christian beliefs by always acting for the betterment of others. His love and kindness for his four nephews was a God Send expecially when they had a Dad stationed in other countries. He was, indeed, their second father and remained that his whole life. We were so fortunate to have this extrordinary, special man in our lives.
Phyllis Addis
December 29, 2016
Ross was a very special person. I see how many lives he made better just by being. His compassion for those he knew and those he had never met was something that was natural for him. The love he gave to friends and family is well known. He must be so proud of his children and grandchildren. The love for him is seen in every comment they write, every word they say and for every picture taken with him. I remember the times he drove out to Portland to visit. It took awhile as he would take Willa to any quilting store she was interested in seeing. He is out of pain now and we are left to feel the pain of his loss. We will meet once again and until then I will cherish my time with him. My love and prayers for his family and friends. Love you, Uncle Ross.
Bill Brown
December 29, 2016
Ross was an extraordinary man. Dedicated to helping others, working within difficult circumstances, always trying to do the best for others. Never met a person that wasn't a friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bruce Rippeteau
December 28, 2016
The whole neighborhood misses you, Ross, for your walking the Pup and for your personal good cheer! Willa, call any of us for help, and we will see you the 7th and long after! --Bruce and Sandra
Bobby Mersed
December 27, 2016
"Another Lincoln High Job Well Done."
Kim Williams
December 27, 2016
It is that smile, that wisdom and that sense of humor that I remember fondly. There were days that I just needed encouragement and someone to believe in me. Ross always took time to listen and to give me advice. He was a great leader and worked diligently helping others to be the best they could be. Through the years I worked for him, he was advocating for others and making things happen. He was compassionate, kind, a man of great faith, and loved his family fiercely. He didn't complain to me about his own pain or difficulties..he went forward and lived his life, giving endlessly of his time and energy. I am and forever will be in awe of the person he was and I will never forget our lunches during and for years after we left VR and our talks about life and his way of always making me feel special over the years. I will miss him beyond words. Rest in peace, my dear friend. We are all just passing through this temporary home. I will see you again someday soon.
Gloria Van Dusen
December 27, 2016
Willa & family,
Ross was a very special friend for many, many years. I will always remember and respect his kindness. He was so proud of his family. God's blessings to each one of you. Gloria
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6800 S 14TH ST, Lincoln, NE 68512
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