Carroll Lynn Smith
June 11, 1952 – March 12, 2025
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, March 24, 2025, 11:30AM with VISITATION beginning at 10:30AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
Carroll Lynn Smith, aged 72, of Bellevue, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Carroll was born on June 11, 1952, in Omaha, Nebraska to Richard Carroll Dice and Ellen Elizabeth Sorensen Dice. Carroll’s father, Richard Carroll, passed away on March 11, 1952, months before she was born. Her mother, Ellen, later married Ed Dieter, and they lived out their days together. Carroll’s grandparents, Pearl and John Gail Dice were instrumental in the family’s life until their passing in 1972.
Carroll met the love of her life, Gary William Smith, while attending Bryan High School. Their lifelong journey began on August 21, 1971, when they were married in Omaha, Nebraska, at Zion Lutheran Church. In October 1973, Carroll gave birth to their first son, Scott, and over the next decade, their home was filled with chaos and the energy of four rambunctious boys: Scott, Keith, Brian, and Michael.
As the years passed, the boys grew up and left the nest, Carroll and Gary began dreaming of a new chapter in a warmer climate. But their plans took a detour when Carroll was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. She courageously underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and after successful treatment, the cancer went into remission.
With cancer behind them, Carroll and Gary moved to Lehigh Acres, Florida, to enjoy the sun and a home with a swimming pool. Unfortunately, Gary’s health declined, and they returned to Omaha. After 50 years of marriage, Gary passed away on September 26, 2021, leaving Carroll heartbroken.
In 2022, Carroll moved into a charming home in Bellevue, hoping for peace and comfort. However, just as she was settling in, she learned that her cancer was no longer in remission. She bravely resumed treatment, but despite all efforts, the cancer spread. After thoughtful consideration and guidance from her amazing medical team, she and her family made the difficult decision to cease further treatments and begin hospice care on February 28, 2025.
Carroll spent her final days at the Josie Harper Hospice House, surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends, who visited her from near and far. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Carroll is survived by her sons Scott (Ginger), Keith (Heather), Brian (Kerri) and Michael (Adrianna); grandchildren, Aiden, Cole (Madison), Lainee, Michael, Conner, Addison, Mason (Jessica), Alexis, Victoria and Vincent, and great-grandchild, Barrett. She is also survived by her three siblings, Sandra Kapple, Dennis (MaryAnn) Dice, and Suellen Dice along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, her beloved dog Casper and too many friends to count!
Carroll will be immensely missed by her family and all who knew her. Her feisty spirit, wicked sense of humor and the memories she created with her loved ones will continue to live on in their hearts. And, whenever you hear the blissful sounds of slot machines, know that Carroll is near; she loved any opportunity to “go across the bridge” and get a “hundred-dollar hotdog”!
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made in Carroll’s name to the Josie Harper Hospice House as she found peace and comfort in their care during her final days.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
7 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss, my name is Sheli and I took care of her and Gary‘s hair for over 25years. I miss them both.
My warmest condolences. I grew up Nextdoor to Mary Ann Baulisch.
So sorry for your loss Sue. I suspect you may have written this obituary. It’s lovely and even though I didn’t know your sister, I feel I do now. Hoping memories give you and your family some comfort in the coming days.
Bonnie, thanks so very much and Carroll’s daughter in law Ginger wrote her obituary with a little help from me….we are all pleased with it! it’s a difficult loss….xx suellen
Denny, I am sorry to hear about your loss.
I what’s saddened to hear about Carroll”s passing my thoughts go out to the family and especially to Scott and Ginger my dearest friends .Heartbreak is verys very immense and it’s akin to grief but the reunion of Gary and Carroll will ease that somewhat when you think of them I wish they could have stayed longer so that their grandkids and their greatgrands would have known them. Sincerely with prayer and condolences to the family . Lorraine
PS.., the obituary was a great read as it brought us(me )closer to Carroll. Thanks
I will miss Carol at our Sorensen gatherings. I often tried to get a seat near her. Her fun personality and straight forward approach made her such a delight.
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