Betty Jane Smith was born September 4, 1927, in Ralston, Nebraska, the daughter of James D. and Dovie (Gushard) Smith. She grew up and received her education in Ralston.
While in Omaha, she met a gas station attendant by the name of Carl Kusick. They were married November 2, 1946, and moved to Hilltop near Stamford, South Dakota, where they farmed.
In 1966, they moved into Belvidere, where throughout the years Betty worked at the H&H El Centro Motel in Kadoka, and later at 1880 Town for 18 years.
Betty and Carl really enjoyed dancing, and Betty liked gardening, reading, crocheting, and later in life especially liked to go fishing.
Survivors include one son Kenneth Kusick and his wife Crystal of Kadoka; two daughters Loretta Schreiber and her husband Lawrence; and Kathy Pillen and her husband Gary of Hermosa; 23 grandchildren; several great and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Carl J. Kusick on February 20, 1993, and one son Harold Kusick on February 16, 2015.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, at the Belvidere Community Church in Belvidere with Larry Dolezal officiating.
Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Guest Book
Betty made me laugh. With her dancing earrings and her sense of humor, she was a fun person to visit with. We'll miss her.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
Philip (6/10/2019)
Wyoming
~ Jacqueline R Cavanaugh
Riverton (6/11/2019)
Sorry to hear of Betty's passing, she was such a great character. Always looked forward to seeing her around Belvidere. She will be missed.
~ Ansel & Teresa Wooden Knife
Interior, SD (6/11/2019)
Betty was a "one of a kind". Belvidere will never be the same. Our sympathy to her wonderful family. We will always remember her fondly. She always had something interesting and witty to say but she had a heart of gold that came from her faith in Christ.
~ Gary & Ruth McCubbin
Wadswoth, Ohio (6/10/2019)
SD
~ Barb (McCormick) Petoske
Sioux Falls (6/11/2019)
Betty was just a delightful lady. I only knew her a short time, but I feel blessed to care for her in the nursing home. I pray that God gives you strength and peace. Remember the good times and that will comfort you during this difficult time.
~ Carmen Fees
Philip (6/10/2019)
I'm so sorry for your loss Kenny
~ Otis Perkins
Nemo (6/11/2019)
Safe travels, Betty. We had a couple of chuckles!
~ Angela Marcos
Rapid City, SD (6/8/2019)
May you rest in peace.
~ Charles and Ann Willert
Wasilla, Alaska (6/11/2019)
she will be greatly missed, she was great lady, fun to visit with.
~ larry & jan miller
Kadoka, S.D. (6/13/2019)
Betty was one of a kind. Funny, creative, a little bit crazy (and I mean that in a kind way), loved to dance, fish, and you never had to worry about where you stood with her, because she told you!! RIP sweet lady. You will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you! People will be remembering Betty, and sharing the memories, for many years to come.
~ Ann Cvach
Midland, SD (6/9/2019)
I'll always remember that special hug that I got from you when I was at church in Belvidere a couple of weeks ago. I did not know it would be the last time we would meet in this life. I hope you have found a new Cribbage partner in your new home!
~ Marjorie Street
2367 Wakely Rd, Cook MN 55723 (6/8/2019)
Betty took care of us Stilwell girls, and I always convinced her to make popcorn balls. She was one of a kind. She had the best laugh. She will be missed.
~ Cary Griswold
Rapid City, SD (6/11/2019)
Betty was a one of a kind, loving, special soul. She always made us smile and was so easy to visit with. Belevidere lost a special lady, our condolences go to her family and friends.
~ Chris and Diana Elwood
Volborg, MT (6/9/2019)
I always loved when Betty came into the Chuckwagon Cafe. You are all I. My thoughts and prayers.
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, IA (6/8/2019)
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,MISSED GREATLY,I
WOULD LIKE TO THINK YOUR STILL FISHING..
~ DAN DAVIDSON
MERIDIAN,IDAHO (6/10/2019)
I always remember the stories that Betty told of our family starting with Grandpa and Grandma Manke. Her and Dad would always see who got the last word or the best story every time they met. Knowing today will be the last time I will see Betty here on earth it will be hard. But, knowing Betty and her humor, she is chuckling because today June 11th was Dad's Birthday. So Betty did get the last word in on Dad. That in itself will be a lasting memory.
~ Jo Rodgers
Belvidere (6/11/2019)
Another of the Belvidere originals, I call them, gone . It was a great generation that I grew up in, so many great memories. The fish will be safe now!! She was one of a kind.....may God Bless!
~ Ronnie & Emily Sammons
Midland, SD (6/7/2019)