Bethene Smoots, 94, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 3:00 PM at the First Church of Monroe, with Pastor Connie Kramer officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Saturday from 2:00 PM until service time at the church in Monroe.  Interment will be in Friends Cemetery, rural Genoa, Nebraska.  Memorials are suggested as those of the donor or family choice.

Bethene was born February 3, 1930, in Genoa, Nebraska.  She was the daughter of George and Delora (Fox) Schmid.  She attended grade school at District 37 and District 39, both south of Monroe, graduating from Monroe High School in 1947.  Bethene attended a two-year business school in Lincoln.  She returned to Columbus and worked for the law firm of Walters and Leinenger, and later for Consumer Public Power District.

Bethene married Bob Smoots at the Methodist Church in Monroe on September 17, 1955.  They lived their entire life on their farm east of Monroe.  They were both interested in flying and bought a small Piper Super Cruiser.  By that time Bob already had his instructor's rating and was teaching young people to fly at Columbus Airport.  They joined the Nebraska Flying Farmers and Ranchers organization and became officers.  They logged many hours attending all the fly-ins across the state and nationally as well.  The National Flying Farmers Association was formed in Oklahoma in 1945, and the Nebraska Chapter came to be in 1946.  She was an active member of the Monroe American Legion Auxiliary, and the Church.  Bethene helped her husband Bob in much of the farm work.

Bethene is survived by her son Bob, his wife Carrie, and two special granddaughters, Rebecca and Addison Smoots.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Bethene was preceded in death by her parents – George and Delora Schmid, Husband – Bob Smoots, Brothers – Julius and Paul Schmid, Sisters – Thelma James and Elva Church