Robert L. Salts

Robert L. Salts, 87, of Beatrice passed away at the Beatrice Community Hospital Friday afternoon, Sept. 27, 2013. He was born on Oct. 10, 1925 in Logan, Iowa, the oldest of 11 children of Rolly and Evelyn (Williams) Salts. Robert served his country in the United States Army for over 2 years during World War II. He and Betty Jean Vandegrift were married on Feb. 16, 1950 in Beatrice and lived in Beatrice ever since. He had been employed with Max Transport and Oscar Corter as a truck driver, and was a custodian at Beatrice High School for 24 years. Robert was a former member of the Beatrice Church of God and had served as church treasurer and had taught Sunday school; currently a member of the West Side Baptist Church in Beatrice and was involved in most church activities including the Men's Breakfast. He was a member of the Beatrice Area Retired Teachers Association and past member of the Beatrice American Legion. He enjoyed his family and all family activities; participating in all church activities; was a volunteer at the Beatrice Blood Bank; enjoyed word search and crossword puzzles; and was an avid Nebraska fan.

Survivors include 2 sons, Richard Salts and wife Lucile of Blue Springs and Jeff Salts and wife Jan of Beatrice; three daughters Roberta Goin of Beatrice, Teresa Goetz and husband Wayne of Virginia, and Cindy Orth of Beatrice; 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren; three brothers and five sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents Rolly and Evelyn (Williams) Salts; wife Betty Jean Salts (2000); parents in law Orval and Opal Vandegrift; daughter Christine Buhr; grandson Toby Salts; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 at the West Side Baptist Church in Beatrice with Pastor Jon Palmquist and Pastor Kerry Moody officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Military graveside services will be provided by the Bitting-Norman Post #27, American Legion in Beatrice. The body will lie in state Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel on Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m., and at the church one hour preceding the services on Wednesday. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Sign Robert's online guest book and view his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.