Beverly "Bev" A Smiley

Beverly (Bev) A Smiley February 6, 1945 – April 29, 2025 Grand Island, Ne Beverly A. Smiley, 80, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on April 29,2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on February 6, 1945, Beverly lived a life full of heart, humor, and adventure. As a teen, she could often be found gliding across the roller rink. Her deep love for animals remained constant throughout her life—she shared her home and heart with many four-legged companions over the years. In December 1962, Beverly married Jesse Lair. Together they raised three children: Jerry, Jesse, and Teresa. After Jesse’s passing, Beverly was blessed to find love again with Leland Smiley. They married in June 1984 and built a life together filled with laughter, companionship, and mutual support. Their time together was marked by shared travels, quiet evenings, and deep affection that carried Beverly through life’s journeys. Beverly had a passion for good food and even better company. She had a fondness for red beer and warm, flat Pepsi—quirks that made her unmistakably Beverly. A gifted cook and baker, nothing made her happier than gathering her family for game nights and sharing laughter over a homemade meal. She could hypnotize anyone with her favorite dinner plate. I.Y.K.Y.K. She held a deep appreciation for classic country music and never hesitated to share her famously strong opinion about B-I-N-G-O—she despised it, and wasn’t afraid to say so. Beverly loved working with her hands and in the earth. Her flower beds were her canvas, and petunias were a perennial favorite. She wasn’t afraid of hard work and could often be found wielding a chainsaw or stacking firewood for the winter. “You’ll find me in the laundry room when I get to heaven,” she used to say—and she meant it. She loved it so much, she would even iron t-shirts, jeans, and underpants with pride. She loved to tell her joke about the new blue Cheer, and she would execute it perfectly. She kept her horse stable spotless and led by example when it came to tough, dirty work. She believed in everyone doing their part, even if it meant working like a bulldozer—raking leaves or carrying firewood one piece at a time. Her strength, humor, and heart left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She absolutely loved going to rodeos and stock car races, but rodeos held a special place in her heart—particularly when her grandchildren were participating. She adored her great-grandchildren and found joy in watching them grow. An adventurous spirit, Beverly traveled to South Korea to visit her son and reveled in the bustling markets of Pusan. She also famously tried to bring dozens of donuts to her son and family stationed in Reykjavik, Iceland on 9/11—only to find the airport completely shut down. That story became one of many beloved family legends. She held a deep respect for the military, shaped by her loved one’s service. Jesse served in both the Navy and the Airforce during their marriage; Leland served in Vietnam; and her two sons continued the tradition, one in the Navy and one in the Army. Beverly is survived by her children: Jerry (Sheri) Lair, Jesse (Sherri) Lair, and Teresa (Dewayne Rockford) Ward, her grandchildren: Devin, Breanna, Jerrica, Tyler (Michaela), Kianna, and Kayla; her great-grandchildren: Haley, Kennedy, Kinsley, Brecklen, Kai and Jaden; and her cherished companion, Melvin Hunter and many other family and friends and fur baby Turbo. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands’ Jesse Lair and Leland Smiley, and her brother, Jim Sutherland. Beverly’s warmth, laughter, and fearless honesty will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Arrangements and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Beverly "Bev" A Smiley

February 6, 1945 - April 29, 2025

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Beverly "Bev" A Smiley

February 6, 1945 - April 29, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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