Bethel Susan Smalley

Nash, Bethel Susie Smalley]

Bedford Times-Press

Thursday April 21, 1977 p. 6

Mrs. Brooks Nash, 84, Last Rites Held Here April 14

Funeral services for Mrs. Brooks (Bethel) Nash, 84, of Bedford, were held April 14 in the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Rev. Ollie Odle officiating. Mrs. Nash died April 11, 1977 in Bedford Manor here. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford.

Bethel S. [usie] Nash, daughter of Noah and Susan [Stewart] Smalley, was born on a farm near Blockton, Iowa, February 9, 1893.

She spent her girlhood days on the same farm where she was born and attended the Science Ridge School in that community.

On December 25, 1912 she was united in marriage to Marion Brooks Nash at the home of her parents. Some time later they purchased a farm just southeast of Bedford, which continued to be their home throughout the years until they were forced to give it up on account of their health. They were the parents of two children, a son R. [alph] Jay and daughter, Bethel Madonna.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband; her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. R. [alph] Jay Nash of Grinnell, Iowa; and daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dobson of Tallmadge, Ohio; two grandchildren: Sara Coleen Nash and Robert Brooks Dobson; many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by two brothers, Ralph Smalley and Dee Smalley.

Mrs. Nash was a member of the First Baptist Church, having united with the Forest Grove Church at an early age. For many years she was a staunch worker in Bedford Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a Past Worthy Matron; and in Golden Rule Rebekah Lodge, where she was a Past Noble Grand.

She was known as Bedford's Flower Lady, having made beautiful flower arrangements for many occasions in the community.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.