Beth Alden Smith

Beth Alden Smith, 91, of Blair, Nebraska, and formerly of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away at Carter Place in Blair on April 26, 2023.

Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Kimball NE, with lunch to follow. Interment following service at the Kimball Cemetery.

Born to Frances (Lovitt) and Ralph Alden on May 26, 1931, in Kimball, Nebraska, Beth lived nearly her entire life there, graduating from Kimball High School in 1949. She earned a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English from the University of Nebraska in 1953, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and Phi Lambda Theta, an education honor society. After graduation, Beth married Larry W. Andersen in Kimball at Trinity United Methodist Church on June 20, 1953, the same church where she was baptized and confirmed. 

Beth and Larry made their first home in Midwest City, Oklahoma, while Larry was at Tinker Air Force Base serving his commission in the ROTC. While there, they welcomed daughter Lynn on January 5, 1955. Life then took them to South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Denver, where son Tom was born on September 15, 1956. The family moved to Kimball in 1957, where Beth resided for nearly 70 years. Larry and Beth were married almost 20 years and remained friends – often gathering for an annual "drinks on the house" birthday celebration with Jerry and Anne Andersen and dear friends, and spending holidays together with their children, grandchildren and extended family for these festive and memorable special occasions.

Though there were many, Beth's favorite professional experience was working as a writer for the Western Nebraska Observer in Kimball. She also served as a secretary at the Kimball County High School in the early 1960s and in administrative capacities for Great Plains Construction during the oil boom in the late 60s and early 70s. All of these roles allowed her to use both her degree and her natural skills in relationship building, education and communication.

An avid golfer, Beth was a Kimball Country Club champion and played in dozens of tournaments across the state through the Nebraska Women's Amateur Golf Association (NWAGA). She named the Kimball golf course, Four Winds, after winning a naming competition when the course first opened in the 1960s. Beth was known for her beautiful smile; quick wit; astute bridge playing skills; devotion to playing and watching golf; the yellow Indian motorcycle she drove in high school; winning a beauty contest in college; and her illustrious correspondence, frequently sending snail mail and email to loved ones. Initiated in 1949, Beth was a member of PEO for more than 70 years, serving in several capacities including as Chapter DT President.

Beth is survived by her children Lynn Andersen Smith (Neil) of Blair and Thomas Alden Andersen (Nancy) of Denver; grandchildren Calli Beth Hite (Jeremy), Riley Neil Smith (Amy), Connor Alden Smith (Shea), Haley Claire Guthrie (Ryan) and Matthew Stanley Andersen; great-grandchildren Graeme Andersen Hite (born on Beth's 81st birthday), Grayson Michael Hite, Alden Joshua Hite, Sloane Elise Smith, Harper Lubalia Smith, Julian Alden Smith, Samara Joon Smith and Scotti Claire Guthrie; and many loving and devoted family members and friends.

Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Lovitt Alden; father, Herbert Ralph Alden; brother, Bruce Alden; and sister, Ann Alden.

The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to the dedicated team at Carter Place in Blair, where Beth lived for more than six years. She was the recipient of immense kindness and care from Carter Place employees and fellow residents, who appreciated her intellect, manners, kindness and dry sense of humor. 

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Campbell Aman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  http://www.campbellaman.com