Bethel Maude Hurley

Bethel M. Hurley, 96, of Boone, Iowa and formerly of Grand Island, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Westhaven Community in Boone, Iowa.

In accordance with Bethel’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Bethel was born on September 9, 1924, the daughter of Zilmer Perry Burmood and Edith Nona Harper-Burmood in Wood River, Nebraska. Bethel attended country school until fifth grade and then attended Walnut Junior High and Grand Island Senior High School. She received her GED from the Community College. Bethel married LeRoy Hurley on October 18, 1941 at the Assembly of God Church in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Survivors include her daughter, Carlotte (Gary) Paulsen of Ogden, IA. and her son, Eddy (Kathy) Hurley of Donna, TX. Bethel has been blessed to be the grandmother to five grandchildren, Kelly (Bruce) Fishbach of Vermillion, S.D., Kevin (Jenni) Paulsen of Jefferson, IA, Kendal (Kim) Paulsen of Ogden, IA, Keith (Kristin) Hurley of Wahoo, NE. and Betsy Hurley of Hawaii. Bethel had the joy of being a great grandma to Ryun, Kylie and Dylan Fishbach and Elise (Caleb) Fishbach-Salmond, Matt (Bailey) and Lindsey Paulsen, Conner and Courtney Paulsen, and Leah, Ty and Sydney Hurley; great-great grandchildren, Anna and Xavia Salmond. She is also survived by one sister, Reberta Burmood of Orange County, CA; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to her parents, Bethel was also preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Hurley; one brother, Sherdian Burmood . and one sister, Ella Jane Casteel.

Bethel was named Church Women United Valiant Woman in the year of 1991. This award is given to a woman each year who has given many hours to Church Women United, to her own church and to the community. Bethel served in many capacities, including as President in 1984. She was coordinator of ecumenical celebrations on the State Board of CWU. She was one of the coordinators of Project Nightie. Bethel taught Sunday School at Faith United Methodist Church, and was chairwoman of the sewing program at Faith Church. She also volunteered at the Community Food Pantry, the YWCA, Salvation Army, St. Francis Hospital, Habitat For Humanity, Boy and Girl Scout Leader and was active in West Lawn PTO.

Bethel worked as an Avon Representative, 10 years for Roberts Dairy and 20 years for Singer Sewing Company until she retired in 1986.

Her FAITH, her FAMILY and her FRIENDS were her biggest assets.