Elizabeth "Betty" Smedra

Hastings resident Elizabeth A. “Betty” Smedra, 69, left this earth Sunday, May 20, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family.

Rosary is 9:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Friday, May 25, at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Hastings. Inurnment will be held 4 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the Ord Cemetery, in Ord. A casual celebration will be held following at the Ord Fire Hall. Betty has asked that there be no flowers at her service. If you wish to honor her, memorials suggested to Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation, Norfolk Catholic Schools Endowment, or Hastings Good Samaritan Village Church Pavement Project. Book signing will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Her bucket list is complete. The last item listed was to be able to go peacefully to meet her maker and the task has been completed.

Betty was born on September 14, 1948, in Loup City, NE to Regina (Gorecki) & Clemence Lewandowski and grew up on her family farm. She attended St. Josephat’s Catholic School in Loup City, NE and District #56 Country School in Sherman County. She graduated from Loup City High School in 1966.

After graduation, she moved to Lincoln, NE and then Omaha, NE and worked in the insurance industry. On October 18, 1969, Betty married her longtime friend, confidant, and soulmate, Frank Smedra. They lived in Ord, NE for 46 years and raised their family there. They were blessed with two daughters, Leisa Allison and Hauli Daneil and joyfully adopted their son Jonathan. Frank and Betty did foster care for 17 years and welcomed several very special children. During her career, Betty was blessed to work at some amazingly gratifying jobs over the years. She always arranged her employment to give her the best opportunity to be there for her family, as they were her first priority.

After retiring, Betty moved to Hastings, NE. She enjoyed being with people, working as a hospice volunteer, helping with her church and other community organizations and especially loved her flowers and picket fence decorations. She treasured every moment she had with her grandchildren. They were the love of her life. Everyone knew her beautiful smile and infectious laughter.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, John & Grace Smedra.

SURVIVORS:
Husband:
Frank Smedra – Hastings, NE
Daughters:
Leisa (Les) Piper – Norfolk, NE
Hauli (Bill) Sabatka – Hastings, NE
Son:
Jon Smedra – Ord, NE
Grandchildren:
Geena Piper – Norfolk, NE
Ethan Piper – Norfolk, NE
Jozy Piper – Norfolk, NE
Elly Piper – Norfolk, NE
Anthony Sabatka – Hastings, NE
Ryann Sabatka – Hastings, NE
Andrej Sabatka – Hastings, NE
Sister:
Darlene (Don) Kuta – Bella Vista, AK
Brothers-in-law:
John (Cheryl) Smedra – Ord, NE
Tom (Deb) Smedra – Mason City, NE
Several Nieces, Nephews & many, many friends