Florene K. (Duda) "Mike" Smith-Nickles age 93 of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 17, 2026 at The Legacy Assisted Living in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was born on July 18, 1932 at her home in Plattsmouth, Nebraska to Michael F and Florence (Kaufman) Duda. 

Growing up in Plattsmouth, Florene attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church and graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 1950. After graduation, she attended Peru State Teachers College for one year before beginning her teaching career. She would later obtain her BA and MEd degrees from the University of Nebraska. She began teaching at District #93, a rural school east of Douglas in 1951. In 1952 she taught at District #77, another rural school west of Unadilla. 

She was united in marriage to Darrell Smith in 1953 in Houston, Texas. To this marriage there were two daughters, Dian and Joan and one son (who was stillborn), John. The marriage ended in 1984, but they became and remained friends. In 1957, Florene began teaching kindergarten in the Douglas Community School system. In 1961 she taught first and second grades and continued there until Douglas lost their school due to lack of enrollment and finished her last two years of teaching at Sterling Public Schools teaching Chapter I classes, she retired in 1995 and returned to Plattsmouth.

During her time in Douglas, she became affectionately known as "Mike." She was a member of the Douglas United Methodist Church where she was a choir member, choir director, substitue organist and later organist. She was a member of the Douglas Junior Women's Club, Douglas PTA, secretary for the Douglas Community Improvement Program, Douglas UMW, NSEA & NEA and sang with a ladies quartet, ladies trio (the Harmonets) who entertained at church, nursing homes, senior centers and various other places.

After moving to Plattsmouth, Florene joined the First United Methodist Church where she was a pianist for the Cherub Choir, substitute Organist, Peacemakers Quilters Guild, Ladies Auxiliary Aerie #365 Cass County Retired Teachers Organization and the Plattsmouth Alumni Association. In 2003, Florene joined St. Paul United Church of Christ where she was in charge of the music program, including the adult vocal choir and bell choir. She reunited with her high school sweetheart Robert Nickles and the two were married on Oct. 14, 2006 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Plattsmouth.

Florene enjoyed time with her high school classmates, especially a group of ladies dubbed "The Posse" which got together every month. They became very special in each others lives. She also remained close to her "Kinderchicks" a group of Douglas Students she taught in Kindergarten. During her retirement years, she worked for both Harvey Funeral Home and Main Street Jewelers and enjoyed connecting and helping her community.

Florene enjoyed crocheting, knitting, flower gardening, attending her children and grandchildren's activities and being with her family and friends. 

She is survived by her daughters, Dian (Doug) Cheney of Adams, NE, Joan (Ryan) Hogancamp of Lincoln, NE grandchildren, Kevin Vaughn, Michelle Cheney, Ben Jones, Neile Jo & Molly Hogancamp, John (Tina) Nickles and family and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Judy (Robert) Sparks of Omaha, NE, many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Florene was preceded in death by her parents, Michael Duda, Florence Duda-Stava, step-father, Edward Stava, infant son, John Edward Smith, sister Joan Duda husbands Darrell Smith and Robert Nickles and sister, Shirley Brugman. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul Community Church in Plattsmouth, Nebraska with Pastor Harald Rappold officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the family for support of the Butterfly Pavillions in Omaha and Lincoln. 

Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, NE 402-296-4445.