Mary "Beth" E. Renz

Mary Elizabeth “Beth” (Conway) Renz, 87, of Thurston, NE passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Heritage of Emerson in Emerson, NE.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender, NE; with Father Gerald Leise officiating.  Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A prayer service will follow, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery in Homer, NE.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Arrangement are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home of Pender, NE.

Mary Beth was born March 27, 1932 in Sioux City, IA to Emmett and Dorothy (Metz) Conway.  She graduated from Homer High School in 1950.  On January 26, 1951, she married Frederick (Fritz) Renz in Winnebago, NE.  To this union, eight children were born. 

Beth spent 35 years at the Pender Community Hospital working as a secretary.  She was a devout member of numerous clubs and organizations especially the Thurston Booster Club, The Thurston Legion Auxiliary, and St. John’s Alter Guild organization.  Mary was a passionate and loving woman; she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, cats, and animals.

Beth is survived by her sons, Tim Renz of Casper, WY, Tom (Linda) Renz of Thurston, NE, Cary (Peggy) Renz of Bancroft, NE, and Robert (Jana) Renz of Thurston, NE; daughters Catherine (Terry) Simonsen of Pender, NE, Janis (Daryl) Harrison of Thurston, NE, Leanne Miller of Shiloh, IL; sister, Patty (Ron) Grubb of Sioux City, IA; brother Michael Conway of Sioux City, IA; 16 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren and one on the way.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fritz Renz; parents, infant daughter, Joy; grandson, Travis Harrison; daughter-in-law, Sharon; and her cat, Fiesty.