Betty Jane Smith

Betty Jane (Adsit) Smith, age 84, of Adams, Nebraska, passed away on November 17, 2025, at Gold Crest Nursing Home in Adams. She was born on her family’s ranch in Kirby, Montana, to Tom and LaRena (Young) Adsit. Betty grew up in Montana, but attended high school and graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, WY. She later attended Chadron State Teachers’ College, where she met the love of her life, Milford “Smitty” Smith. They were united in marriage on August 6, 1960.

Throughout their life together, Betty faithfully supported Smitty’s teaching and coaching career, living in Sunol, Long Pine, and Brewster before settling as a longtime resident of Odell.

Betty had a giving spirit and a deep love for her family and community. She volunteered for many years and devoted herself to organizations that supported children and families. She served as a Girl Scout leader and was active with the Homestead Girl Scout Council. She taught Sunday School at the Odell United Methodist Church and was a proud member of the Odell Area Community Enrichment Organization. For many years, Betty also ran an in-home daycare, where she found great joy in the children she cared for and the families she came to know.

Betty loved camping in the Nebraska Sandhills with Smitty and she treasured time spent visiting with family and friends. A talented quilter, crocheter, and crafter, she created many special pieces for her loved ones- especially the handmade quilts she lovingly made for each of her grandchildren. Betty will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the countless ways she helped others. In 2022, Betty was baptized and confirmed in the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell—a meaningful moment in her life and faith.

Betty is survived by her daughters: Sheri (Mark) Christensen of Milford, Nebraska; Sandy Renken of Adams, Nebraska; and Sonja (Steve) Peetz of Wahoo, Nebraska; along with her foreign-exchange student son, Fausto Almeida of Ecuador. She leaves behind her Grandchildren: Stephen Christensen (Ashley) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Caitlynn (Patrick) Ensley of Milford, Nebraska, Kendall (Jerrod) Shinn of Central City, Nebraska, Brannon Renken of Lincoln, Nebraska, Shannon Arena (Jessica) of Seward, Nebraska, Brendan Arena (Jamey) of Brainard, Nebraska, and Bryanna (Sean) Landkammer of Lincoln, Nebraska; as well as twelve great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her siblings: Bill (Bertie) Adsit of Big Horn, Wyoming, Shirley (Jim) Durkee of Colorado Springs, CO; Dorothy Adsit of Sheridan, WY; and Jean Adsit of Sheridan, Wyoming.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and LaRena (Young) Adsit; her brother, John Adsit; and her grandson, Matthew Christensen.

Services will be held Monday, November 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Burial will follow at the Odell Cemetery. 

Visitation with family will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Odell.

Memorials in Betty’s honor have been designated to the Scholarship Fund-Odell Public Schools. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.