Elva Jean (Smock) Algya was born May 15, 1930, in Plattsmouth, to Alvin Lester and Catherine Jeanette (Stones) Smock and entered her heavenly home July 19, 2023, at the age of 93 years, 2 months and 4 days.
Jean, as most people called her, attended Plattsmouth Community Schools and graduated in 1948. While in high school, she was a majorette with the high school band. Jean was also on the Platter staff (high school newspaper) and in Job’s Daughters International.
In 1948, Jean was united in marriage to Farnam Taylor of La Platte, and to this union, six children were born. Jean was employed as an executive secretary at Modern Sound, Budweiser and Purex Soap, all in Omaha, as well as Hughes Brothers, Inc., in Seward.
Jean married Mike Algya in Lincoln on April 10, 1970. They moved from Plattsmouth to LaPlatte, then to Beaver Crossing until they owned the Starlite Bar & Grill and made the move in 1976 to Seward. Upon moving to Seward, they were instrumental in bringing the Eagles Club to Seward in 1975.
Jean enjoyed dancing, quilting and going on quilt retreats with her three daughters. She was a charter member of the Eagles Club and also served as the Madam State President. Although Jean wasn’t active for the past few years, she was still a member until her passing.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jeanette Smock; husband, Mike Algya; son, Jerry Lee Taylor; grandson, Brandon Eugene Taylor; and son-in-law, Bill Fritz.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her daughters, Rosilyn R. Fritz, Seward, Kathy (Garry) Thompson, Lincoln, Kelly (Bernie) Juday, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; sons, Mike Taylor, York, Bret (Jenny) Taylor, Stromsburg; daughter-in-law, Deb Taylor, York; Mike’s five children, Mike (Diane) Algya, Jr., LaVista, Martin (Geri) Algya, Bellevue, Jim Algya, Bennington, Deb (Mark) Caha, Ceresco, and Michele (Larry) Mixan, Omaha; 29 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; cousins and a host of friends.
The funeral service was July 24 at the Seward United Methodist Church with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Seward Fire/Rescue, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the family. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
