Beth Eldora Hasemeyer, age 89, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away January 18, 2021, at home after a short, hard fight with leukemia, surrounded by her family. Beth was born June 2, 1931, in Arcadia, Nebrasaka to Lowell and Georgia (Hendrickson) Finecy. She began playing the piano at the age of 3 and played opening exercises for Sunday school at the age of 5. She also accompanied her brother, Leland, on the piano at a young age, when he sang for weddings, funerals and church services.
During the Depression, her mother was well-known for the baked goods that came out of her kitchen and Beth worked right alongside her at the age of 7 and will be remembered as an excellent cook and baker. At the age of 8, Beth won best cook at the County Fair. Beth graduated in 1949 as valedictorian from Sutherland High School. After graduation, she attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and received her bachelor's degree in music performance and education in 1953. Beth was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, serving as president for two years. Her first teaching job was in Scottsbluff, where she only taught for a year. She returned to Sutherland as the music teacher, a position that was previously held by her mother.
Beth met Bill and they were married on June 2, 1957, in Sutherland, Nebraska by her grandfather. To this union, three children were born. Beth was a stay-at-home mom until Amy was in junior high, and then she began substituting at North Platte Public Schools until 2015. She was a 50-plus year member of First United Methodist Church, where she sang and played the piano and organ, not only for church but also for weddings and funerals. In the late 1980s, she was the Chancel Choir director for many years and directed and played in the bell choir in the 1990s. Beth served on several committees of the church and was also a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher. She started Monday Night Meals, where she coordinated and cooked meals for the hungry of North Platte. She was a very active member of United Methodist Women, locally holding many offices including president. Beth was also the chair of her church circle, as well as coordinator of the funeral dinners for over 20 years. On the district level of United Methodist Women, Beth held most offices, including president. Beth went on and held offices on the Conference level, serving as president from 1997 to 2000. She was also the coordinator of the ABC Quilt Program where she checked, boxed and shipped baby quilts made by fellow United Methodist Women in Nebraska, and shipped them throughout the United States for at-risk babies. Beth and her love of the Lord brought United Methodist Women to their feet as she started each meeting and gathering with "This Is the Day," which she used not only to get them singing, but as the theme of her life as well. She rejoiced in every day that God gave her. Her knowledge about United Methodist Women, her willingness to share and to serve, her love for her family and her wonderful musical talent are only a few of the many characteristics that made her special.
Beth was a member of Chapter EB PEO, where she held many offices including president. Beth was a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary. She was secretary of North Platte Concert Association for over 25 years. This position included being in charge of all membership sales and ticket sellers. She was a member of Festival Bells performance group directed by Clarice McDermand. Beth was a longtime member of Monday Musicale performance group and also sang in the Monday Musicale Choir. She also accompanied the North Platte High School musical groups in the late 1980s. Beth wrote and composed many songs, poems and skits for various functions.
Family time was important to her and she enjoyed hiking in the Rocky Mountains every summer and all of the other summer vacation trips that the family took throughout the United States, including many Husker bowl games.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill in 2017; parents Lowell and Georgie Finecy; infant sibling; brother, Leland; son-in-law, Terry Thompson; and other family members.
Beth is survived by her children, Pam Thompson and Bill and Amy Hasemeyer, all of North Platte, NE; granddaughter, Kaylee Thompson of North Platte, NE; her special poodle, Kit; and many special cousins and other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Burial will follow the service at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell, NE. The service will be livestreamed via the Adams & Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be respected and therefore social distancing and wearing a mask is suggested but not required.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.