In loving memory of
Virginia Dodd Smith
January 23, 2006
Virginia Dodd Smith, the only woman from Nebraska ever elected to a full term in the U. S. Congress, died Monday, January 23, 2006, in Sun City West, Arizona. She was born on a farm in Fremont County, Iowa, near Randolph, on June 30, 1911, the daughter of Clifton and Erville (Reeves) Dodd. After graduating from Shenandoah High School, as valedictorian of her class, she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
On August 27, 1931, Virginia was united in marriage to Haven Norris Smith, an agricultural student from Chappell, Nebraska. They gradually enlarged their wheat farming operation and became involved in the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. Mrs. Smith became a member of the board of the American Farm Bureau and chairman of the International Farm Bureau Women.
She was a much-sought-after speaker across the nation and in 25 foreign countries, lecturing on agricultural and women's issues as well as patriotism. Her vibrant speeches on "Freedom" made her the recipient of the 1996 Freedom Foundation Principal 1 Public Speaking Award for the finest public address on freedom.
Her success on the podium led to her decision in 1973 to run for Congress, at age 64. She defeated seven men in the Republican primary and a Democrat state senator in the general election, both among the most closely contested races in the state's history.
As Congresswoman, Mrs. Smith became a leader on agricultural issues and development of water resources.
Upon ending her career in Washington in January 1991, she and Haven settled in Sun City West, Arizona. She became active in local activities there and led a drive to get the first post office in that fledgling community.
Preceding Virginia in death was her husband, Haven in 1997. While they had no children, they devoted time and financial assistance to youth causes, most notably the creation of the Haven and Virginia Smith Scholarship Fund for high school graduates from Nebraska's Third Congressional District.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words on comfort were given by the Rev. Ray Norris. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.