Beth Smith

PALISADE, Neb. — Beth Arlene Hahn, born in Hayes County Nebraska April 12, 1936, departed this life February 28, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born to Clarence Christian Hahn and Bertha Mae Herbert youngest of 5 children Victor, Esther, Josephine, Dick, and Beth. Beth’s father Clarence passed on August 26, 1941, when Beth was 6. Beth grew up in Hamlet Nebraska and spent much of her summers at her sister Esther’s family farm where she became older sister to Esther’s children. In her youth she met Billy Smith and they began to plan a life ahead. She attended Wauneta High School until moving to Denver with her mother in 1954 where Beth graduated from South High school and where she met Wally. On March 6, 1955, Beth married Wallace John Knudson in Raton, New Mexico. Beth and Wally made their home in Denver where they had four children, Kent, Steven, and Sandra and after moving to Overland Park Kansas they had Scot. Beth’s mother Bertha passed on June 28, 1971, in Stratton, NE. The family transferred to Schaumburg Illinois in 1973 until Wally and Beth retired and relocated to Longmont Colorado. Beth lost her husband, Wally, in 1981 to cancer. Eventually Beth was reunited with Billy Smith after the loss of his first wife, June. Bill and Beth married June 12, 1982, and began their life together in Palisade Nebraska. Billy brought three children to the family Debra, Kellie, and Clifford. Beth lost her beloved sons Scot in 2011 and Kent in 2020 far too early. Billy and Beth spent many years representing the VFW and traveling around the United States. Beth’s favorite place was Hawaii. They were also very active in the community of Palisade helping to establish the credit union, the Veterans memorial, and the Housing Board. Along with other community members they helped revitalize and run the local restaurant. Beth was a proud and loving mother, happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Her greatest joy was her family, which grew to so many, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She loved music, dancing, taking walks, her pets, gardening, and reading her Bible. She had a humble beautiful spirit and loved to laugh. She always put others before herself and made everyone feel loved. She will be remembered for her unwavering love and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she so proudly built.

Beth was preceded in death by her father Clarence, mother Bertha. Siblings, Victor (Marie), Esther (Robert), Joesphine (Ernie), and Dick (Colletta). First husband, Wallace. Children Scot (Mandi) and Kent (MaryAnn 1st wife Laura 2nd wife) and great grandchild, Leland.

Beth is survived by her husband Billy, her children Steve (Maureen), Sandra (LeMoine), her stepchildren Debra (Byron), Kellie (Richard), Clifford (Nancy), 25 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service on Saturday March 7 11:00 am central time at Hamlet Union Church, 411 Breeze St., Hamlet, Nebraska

In Lieu flowers please consider the following donations.

Veteran’s Memorial – PO box 281, Palisade, NE 69040