Beth Ann (Woods) Kime, 73, of rural Gordon, Neb. passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a recent hemorrhagic stroke. Beth was born on November 8, 1950, to Vearl and Hazel (Lipe) Woods in St. Paul, Nebraska. She attended a rural elementary school and then attended St. Paul High School. Following graduation, Beth moved to Chadron, Nebraska and attended Chadron State College, majoring in art. While at Chadron State, she met a lifelong friend in Patricia (Kime) Decker. They were roommates and great friends. Pat brought Beth home with her one weekend and she met Pat’s older brother Steve, beginning a romance that would last for over 50 years until her death. Steve has said he is so grateful to his sister for bringing Beth home with her because he met his soulmate when he met Beth.
Beth married Steven P. Kime of rural Gordon on May 27, 1972. They lived on the Kime ranch and Beth became the ultimate ranch wife, helping Steve in the hayfield, caring for cows and calves, raising fresh food in the garden and taking care of the house and yard. Beth and Steve were blessed with four sons – John, David, Michael & James – and she somehow managed to balance mothering those four active boys and still helping on the ranch. Beth was very proud of all her boys and her family brought her joy every day.
Beth also enjoyed crafts of all kinds and shared her knowledge and skills with all the children in her life. She knitted, crocheted, sewed, made quilts, did beadwork, sketched pictures and even wrote and illustrated a couple of books to share with her sons and other local children. She also played guitar and sang and taught the boys music. Beth loved the outdoors and nature and began fishing and camping at an early age with her dad. Beth and her dad taught Steve to fish, and she passed her love of the outdoors on to her sons too. The whole family enjoyed fishing year-round, and they also began participating in rendezvous in the area and attended Fur Trade Days in Chadron for many years. Beth even learned how to tan hides and made buckskin outfits for her and Steve to wear during these excursions. She also made baby moccasins for a few dear friends when they were expecting.
Beth was also an excellent baker. She made pies and the best homemade rolls and breads. She even took a class about cake decorating and made several wedding cakes for friends and family members. She shared that joy with children as well, having them pull a kitchen chair up to the counter to help as she patiently supervised or helping them to build and decorate the gingerbread houses she baked.
Beth is survived by her husband, Steve Kime of rural Gordon, son John Kime of Ridgefield, WA, son David Kime of rural Gordon, son Michael Kime (KyLee, J.D. and Orin) of Gordon and son James Kime of rural Gordon, sister Kathy (Woods) Bissell (Gary Bissell) of Casper, WY and numerous cousins. She is predeceased by her mother Hazel Woods, her father Vearl Woods, her grandparents and a number of aunts and uncles.
A memorial service for Beth will be held Saturday, February 24 at Bible Baptist Church, 800 N. Ash St., Gordon, Neb. at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship and lunch immediately following the service at the church.