Renee Marlene Botts

Renee Marlene Botts, 76, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 15, 1940, in Mount Union, Iowa to Orville and Beulah (Urling) Brooks. Renee lived in the Lexington area since 1986, and was employed by the Dawson County Sheriff’s Department since 1980. She was the Corrections Lieutenant. In this capacity, she was involved in the training of staff; programs for inmates, and setting up contract inmates, she retired in September of 2009. Renee was an avid reader, she collected porcelain dolls, eagles, and autographed movie star photographs. Her great passions in life were her children, and grandchildren. She loved dogs and cats. She said that two of her most devoted friends were her dogs, Rush Puppy, and Stockings. Both of whom died at a good old age. Of course they greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge! She was a member of the American jail Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, and the National Association for Female Executives, and the National Correctional Officer’s Association, as well as the Nebraska Correctional Officer’s Association. In 2003, she received the Outstanding Jail Administrator Award from Nebraska Jail Standards. In 2006, she was selected as the Vice-President of the Jail Administrator’s Board. In 2009, Renee received the Dawson County Service Award for 29 years of service in law enforcement from the U.S. Marshal’s Office. Renee had a very simple philosophy in life and was always saying, “If I can look myself in the mirror and say, I’ve done a good job with the knowledge, experience, and training I possess, then I’m okay.” She tried really hard to be a good daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a wonderful friend. We know she passed all of these tests. She had many special friends and to all of her special “Lunch friends”, “Gary, Sharon, Cathy, Teresa, Brian, and Moni, go ahead and laugh and tease me, as I will be laughing too! Most of all please try and remember her kindness, her dedication, her love of life, her love of people, her beautiful smile, but most of all her wonderful spirit. She wants you to know she’s OK now, I’ve had a very good life. I love you all. Renee is survived by her children; Rian Botts of Fulton, Mississippi, Kevin (Julie) Botts of Kearney, Nebraska, Marlena (Marlin) Wear of Overton, Nebraska, and Phyla (Mike) Hopkins of Exeter, Nebraska; brother, Doug Brooks of Denver, Colorado; sister-in-law, Susan Brooks of Lincoln, Nebraska; fourteen grandchildren, Bart, Kelly, Andrew, Jaelyn, Sadie, Angela, Anthony, Holly, Hannah, Becky Jo, Joshua (wife Rawnee), Nicole (husband Shea), Brandon, and Trevor; eleven great-grandchildren; Zachary, Mason, Jayden, Landon, Jadyn, Tanner, Maria, Lexianne, Dominic, Elenor, and Elijah. Renee was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian, and granddaughter, Robin; two brothers, Ron and Bill; three sisters, Joan, Vicki, and Pamela; great-grandson, Levi Botts; nephew, Kody; and, sister-in-law, Betty. Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 3, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Tami Reynolds speaking. Burial will be in the Grace Cemetery northwest of Lexington. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 2, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.