Nellie Smith, 100, Junction City, died at her home Wednesday afternoon. A longtime supporter of youth in the community and in particular 4-H, she spent her entire life in Geary County.
Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel in Chapman will be handling arrangements.
JC Post talked with Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte about Nellie's passing. "She went downhill fast after the county fair this year. " Smith had attended the fair in July as she did every year.
"Nellie did know everybody and if she didn't know them they knew her. She was always a presence in the community," said Otte. "She loved the community, she loved the 4-H kids, and just the kids in schools. She was an amazing lady."
Smith was a benefactor for many, explained Otte. "We established the Geary County 4-H Foundation Memorial Scholarship for her and Raymond ( her late husband ). " That included two $1,000 scholarships per year for 4-H kids, and she helped many other youth.
Otte noted that the legacy of Nellie and Raymond Smith will live forever. "They cared about the community, they cared about youth, whether they were 4-H youth, Saint X youth, whether they were Junction City High youth. They didn't care. They just loved kids that were doing the right thing."