Elizabeth "Betty" Blaser, 82, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

The funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 AM, at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Rex Hash officiating.  Private family interment in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus  will follow the luncheon at the church.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  In lieu of flowers, stones, etc., the family request that memorials go to the New Hope Cancer Support Foundation, First United Methodist Church, or Wiggles and Giggles of Columbus.

Elizabeth "Betty" Blaser was born June 27, 1943, in Genoa, Nebraska, to William and Frieda (Rubin) Nansel.  Betty graduated from Genoa High School in 1961 and then moved to Columbus and worked at Equitable Savings and Loan and later First National Bank.  Betty married Robert "Bob" Blaser on November 23, 1963, at St. Luke's United Church of Christ.

Betty was a supportive farm wife, raising four children in a strong Christian based home. Betty loved hosting and spending quality time with her family.  She enjoyed gardening, baking, working puzzles, crocheting, and playing bridge.  Betty always placed others first and remembered all with cards and best wishes on their special days.  Betty's strong Christian faith shined bright in her service toward others in her church and community.  Betty served as a Sunday School teacher, participated in numerous women's groups, and church treasurer for the memorial fund at both St. Luke's United Church of Christ, and First United Methodist where she currently held her membership.  Betty loved red cardinals and felt the message of peace and hope whenever they would appear or when she would hear their song.

Betty is survived by:
Husband – Bob Blaser of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Lisa (Troy) Paben of Columbus, NE
Grandsons - Jordan (Kate) Paben and great grandchildren Collins, Palmer, Baker; Logan (Mallory) Paben and great grandchildren Blakely and Ledger; and Ethan Paben
Son – Tyler Blaser of Omaha, NE
Grandchildren - Kathryn (fiancé Sean Comstock) Blaser and Jack Blaser
Son – Shane (Julie) Blaser of Columbus, NE
Grandson – Quinn (Hannah) Blaser and great grandson Baker
Son – Cody (Tasha) Blaser of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren - Ava, Mya, Raely, Ember, and Erick

Betty was preceded in death by:
Parents – William and Frieda Nansel
Infant Son – Adam Blaser
Sister – Judy Ernst