A Celebration of Life for Greta Leigh Smith, age 39, of Wayne, will be held on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Wayne, 1000 East 10th Street. Memorial Visitation will be Tuesday, December 28th, from 6:00 p.m. until Service Time at First Baptist Church in Wayne. She passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Providence Medical Center in Wayne. Memorials may be directed to Greta’s family for later designation. Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Greta Leigh was born Jan 30, 1982 in Osmond, Nebraska to loving parents Eric and Ruth (Brodersen) Smith. Greta was a dramatic person even then and had a way of commanding attention. It took nearly three days for her to be born. From a young age, her parents encouraged her individuality and creativity but always instilled in her mind and her heart to be kind to people. She was able to do that in such a way that truly exemplified what caring for and showing kindness to others looked like.
Greta had a way about her that attracted people to her. She began perfecting those skills when she was young. When she was just two years old, she had a route that she would take with the family dog “Wags” around the neighborhood to the places with the best treats. The retired farmers really liked that.
On her journey through her schooling, she developed a wonderful laugh and a sense of humor that did not diminish others. Greta’s family and friends have a myriad of evidence in the form of pictures from over the years that showcase her lightheartedness. Her intrinsic spark and zeal for life was fuel for anyone she encountered. She was fabulous at creating a safe place for people to belong.
Greta was a graduate of Wayne High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Editing and Publishing from Wayne State College in December 2005. While at Wayne State, she co-edited “Words Like Rain: A Celebration of Poetry at Wayne State College.” After her college graduation, Greta held several positions utilizing her editing skills before landing her dream job as a floral designer.
Her work with patrons at ‘The Palace’ over the past 15 years gave her a chance to really sharpen her customer service skills and she expanded her circle of influence even more. When given the opportunity to manage (and eventually own) a flower business, she naturally attracted more great friends and loyal customers.
The integral role she played in the success of Flowers and Wine coupled with her 3+ year ownership of The Flower Cellar has been an honest reflection of her heart for serving people the best. The meaningful relationships Greta cultivated with her staff, customers, and community are invaluable. The number of customers she had the opportunity to come alongside is innumerable. Each person who stopped in was made to feel special. Greta’s sense of beauty and her God-given creative skills were unmatched. Her faithful customers were confident in and could always count on Greta and her team to provide a top-notch experience.
Greta was a giver at heart. She gave freely of her time, talents, gifts, and resources. Every year she made it a priority to bless the food pantry with supplies collected at her store. If you needed something, Greta would find a way to make it happen. This woman was amazing at connecting with people from all walks of life and in turn, connecting them to each other. Greta was the person everyone wanted on their team.
It was not abnormal to see Greta near someone from her family. Greta cherished them and the unconditional love they showed her by being her biggest cheerleaders. The relationship with her sisters, Diana and Holly, was both a treasure and fine example of true love. The bond they shared is both indescribable and unbreakable. She doted on her nephew and niece, Hank and Harlow. They have learned many things ‘only aunts can teach’ because of her. Their random visits to her store were always the highlight of her days. On those days, you could find Greta gallivanting around with Hank on her trusted steed, the stick horse or sneaking in snuggles with Low Low.
Greta Leigh received the biggest and greatest promotion of her life on December 19, 2021, at Providence Medical Center in Wayne. It was then that Jesus welcomed her into her Heavenly home, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” In her death, her giving spirit lives on through being an organ donor.
Her impact on the Wayne community and surrounding area is larger than we could ever imagine. Greta’s absence will be felt by everyone who knew her. No one will soon forget her.
Those who will miss her the most are her parents, Eric and Ruth; Her sisters, Diana Smith and Holly (Clayton) Wamstad and their children: Hank and Harlow; Her grandmothers, Patty Brodersen and Joy (Rowan) Nelson; Many relatives and countless friends.
Greta was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Don Brodersen and Harry Smith.
