Elizabeth A. Simants

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Simants

Sept. 12, 1933 - July 30, 2020

PALISADE, Neb. — Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Simants, age 86, of Palisade, a beloved, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on July 30, 2020, at McCook Community Hospital.

Betty was born Sept. 12, 1933, to Cletus V. Wells and Gladyce (Bridgmon) Wells and graduated from Palisade High School in 1952.

She was united in marriage to Richard A. Simants in San Diego, Calif., on July 8, 1955. The couple was blessed with three children, daughter, Patricia and sons, Richard and Dan.

Betty enjoyed traveling, she especially loved her salmon fishing trips to Alaska and visiting her sister in California. She liked to bake and spend time with all her family. She also enjoyed cross stitching. Betty was a member of the Palisade Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for many years, at age 59 as part of her training she rapelled from the Palisade elevator. After her retirement, she was made a lifetime honorary member of the fire department.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Simants; brother-in-law, Lee Wurzer; and stepfather, Don Myers.

Those left to celebrate her life include her daughter, Patricia (Gary) Hanken of McCook, Neb.; sons, Richard Simants of Palisade and Dan (Heather) Simants of Fairbanks, Alaska; five grandchildren, Josh Simants, Dennis (Kristin) Decker Jr., Randy Decker, James (Renee) Baxter and Rebecca Baxter; and five great-grandchildren, Trace Decker, Mia Decker, Khaliah Granillo, Elina Decker and Drew Baxter; brother, Bob (Marlane) Wells; and sister, Carol Wurzer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Palisade Volunteer Fire Department, 109 South Main, Palisade, NE 69040.

Graveside Services will be Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at the Palisade Cemetery in Palisade with Rev. Elias Mukindia officiating.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.