Grabin, Betty J.

Betty J. Grabin, 87, of rural Oxford, died Thursday, Valentine's Day 2013, at her home, with her family by her side, under the compassionate care of Iowa City Hospice.

Betty June Steele was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Moline, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Florence (Gillum) Steele. She graduated from the 8th grade at the time, later married, but in the ‘70s, went back to school to earn her high school degree from Kirkwood Community College. Betty then was able to receive her beautician degree. She was married to Bernard Kelly, and later to William “Bill” Grabin. She worked as a beautician at Beverly Manor Care Center for over 25 years.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oxford, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Garnet Ladies of the Oxford Branch of the Red Hat Society!

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, in fact she so loved her grandchildren, being “Grandma” was absolutely the best.

Her family includes her daughter, Bonnie Lacina of Oxford; son, Ronnie Kelly and his wife, Melody, of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, David Lacina (Penny), Tracy Lacina (Steve Riggan), Lane Lacina, William Lacina (Tiffany Smith), Ronnie Kelly Jr. (Gina), Danny Kelly and Kristopher Kelly; great-grandchildren, Stephanie (Eric) Seckel, Joseph (Katie) Burns, Ashley Kelly, Shelby Rae Lacina, Sierra Lacina, Dakota Lacina, Caleb Lacina, Kaylee Lacina and Caleb Lacina; great-great-grandchildren, Aydin Seckel, Logan Seckel and Kyndall Burns; Betty's brother, Laurence Steele of Milan, Ill.; her sister, Margaret Desseyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and five siblings.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Betty's family.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Published Feb. 15, 2013 in The Gazette