Beth Rider, age 86, of Lakin, Kansas died Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1926 in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Earl and Edith (Wadsworth) Nelson.

Beth grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High School. She attended Washburn University where she met her husband. Beth married Merl F. Rider on June 15, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas. They moved to southwest Kansas in 1950 and started farming. Beth and Merl moved into Lakin in 1981. She taught Sunday School, 4-H Sewing and Tailoring classes, was a member of the United Methodist Church, Southwest Kearny H.U.D., served on the Selective Service Committee, and was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Sorority. Beth enjoyed spending time on the farm with her husband and their growing children. She designed and made her two daughters wedding gowns as well as their attendant’s dresses. Beth also loved to play cards, camp, fish and go dancing with the love of her life, Merl.

She is survived by her children, Kristina A. Bell and husband Jim of Lakin, Kansas, Margaret E. Simpson of Duncan, Oklahoma, and Nelson F. Rider and wife Joyce of Ulysses, Kansas; sister, Kay Corn of Topeka, Kansas; seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merl, on April 11, 2011; grandson, Bryan Bell, on November 17, 2010; and sister, Jane Beal.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Lakin, Kansas with Reverend Tod Anthony officiating. Interment will follow at the Lakin Cemetery in Lakin, Kansas. Friends may call Tuesday, March 26, 2013 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the Merl and Beth Rider Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 91, Lakin, KS 67860.