Betty Lou Grober

Betty Lou Grober age 87 of Alta Vista, IA died Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington, with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Alta Vista.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma, where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues for one hour before the Mass at the church in North Washington on Friday.

Betty Grober was born on March 3, 1938, in rural Howard County. Betty was the fifth child of Edward and Zerilda (Vick) Hinz. A profound work ethic and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of rural living were instilled in Betty in her early life growing up in a small town in Iowa. 

Betty’s education in Elma culminated with her high school graduation in 1956. It was during her time as a nanny that she met the love of her life, Joseph Grober. Their hearts intertwined, and they wed on August 23, 1958, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. The couple was blessed with five children. Together, they built a life of devotion and hard work on their farm west of Alta Vista. 

In partnership with Joseph, Betty dedicated herself to their family farm. While she never drove the tractors, her presence was felt in every corner of their land. She tackled numerous farm chores with remarkable tenacity, whether it involved wiring hog gates, baling hay, or the arduous task of picking rocks. Betty’s meticulous nature ensured that every tool had its place, and her home was a testament to her organized and diligent spirit.

Betty’s culinary skills were the heart of her household, her meals legendary among her family, and her sewing skills could mend anything brought her way. Her acute hearing became a family anecdote, often catching snippets of conversations not meant for her ears. These endearing traits woven together created a woman who was not only skilled but also full of character. 

Her home was a haven of love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were showered with treats and affection. Betty’s unwavering care and commitment to her husband was admirable after his debilitating farm accident and then as she continued to tend to his needs devotedly until his passing in 2019.

Betty’s social life was enriched by her visits with neighborhood friends and the cherished Sunday dates with Joseph at the VFW in Alta Vista. Her commitment to her community was further exemplified by her proud membership in the Legion Auxiliary, where she served with honor and dedication.

Betty is survived by 3 sons, Todd (Sherry) of Alta Vista, Dean (Jane) of Charles City, and Kyle (Kriselle) of Alta Vista; 13 grandchildren, Jordon, Jeremy, Rachel, Alex, Raelyn, Jenna, Nicki, Bryce, Hunter, Lane, Lewis, Kelvin, and Karter; 10 great grandchildren, Lauren, Henry, Morgan, Jayden, Andrew, Mackenzi, Madeline, Quinten, Colton, and Lily; brother, Merle (Carmen) Hinz of Waterloo; sister, Marilyn (Richard) Wright of Orchard. 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph; daughter, Kathleen in infancy; son, Scott; brothers, Laverne (Violet) Hinz, Donald “Bum” (Vera) Hinz; sisters, Lila (Jack) Simons, Darlene Bird, and Beverly (Ron) Teager.