Beverly M. Oltman

Beverly M. Oltman

August 27, 1937 ~ January 14, 2020

of Bellevue.

It is very rare to find a family as close knit as the Smiths, and Bev knew what a true treasure this was.  Born in Omaha to Elmer and Loretta Smith, Bev grew up with 5 brothers and 2 sisters and many cousins.  At 8 years old, her family moved to a house on 4 acres near Avery School.  She lived her entire life in that very community.

Bev attended Avery Elementary School and stayed busy with Girl Scouts and activities at Avery Presbyterian Church. During high school she worked at the dime store and at the Omaha Stockyards Exchange Building.  At South High School she met the love of her life. On May 20, 1956, she married Ralph “Bud” Oltman and by 1959 she had 4 children – Pam, Tim, Tom, and Chris.  Bud and Bev were blessed with 57 years of marriage. Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In 1958, they built their home on Caldor Drive less than a mile away from where she grew up.  This beloved neighborhood was filled with lifelong friends and lots of family.  Her sister Dee lived around the corner, her brother Bob’s house was visible through her back window, and later on her nephew Mark moved in next door.

She loved the closeness of family which has grown to 183 people.  Many from this large group spent weekends at Hanson Lake or camping at state parks and having Sunday dinners.  Even as the family grew, Easters and Christmases were celebrated together every year and reunions are still organized.

Her love for family and community compelled her to serve as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, room mother, 4-H leader and lifetime member of PTA.  An active Episcopalian, she was a founding member of Church of the Holy Spirit in Bellevue where she was a Sunday School teacher, served on the alter guild, Dean Fricke food pantry volunteer and member of vestry and Daughters of the King.  Later in life she enjoyed doing Tia Chi there and spending time with her friend Beth.

With all the time spent with others, many would not have known Bev was a three-time cancer survivor.  She never complained about the toll serious health conditions and treatments took on her.  She kept up with business as usual.

After Bud’s passing in 2013, Bev moved to Richmont Village – only a short distance from Caldor Drive.  She enjoyed her days there as she always had a smiling face and a kind word for the staff and her visitors.  The legacy that she has left will live on in the hearts of those who called her family.

Preceded in death by husband, Ralph D. “Bud” Oltman.

Bev is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:  Pam & Greg Olson, Brian Olson, Laura & Caleb Zatorski;  Tim Oltman, Steve & Amie, Gabe, Luke and Matthan Oltman, Michelle & Rachel Speer, Kelly & Sean, Dominic Ankrom;  Susie & Cody, Taylor Kasper, Pam Oltman;  Tom & Mary Oltman, Jamie & Justin, Violet, Easton and Sterling Nuss, Dawn & Chad Bodine, JT & Hanna, Daisy Oltman; and Chris Oltman; siblings and spouses:  Kay Smith, Joanne Smith, Emmett & Phyllis Smith, Paul and Shirley Santee Smith, Donnie Smith, Dee & Dave Barber, Carol Hobbs, and Trudie Oltman; and many nieces and nephews, good friends and wonderful neighbors.

Family will receive friends Friday, January 17, 5-7 p.m. at Bellevue Memorial Chapel, Bellevue.

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 18, 10 a.m. at Church of The Holy Spirit, 1305 Thomas Drive, Bellevue.

Interment: Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials to the family.