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 eighth 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 and Kaylee 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.

Betty's family would like to thank Iowa City Hospice, and her special caregivers, Shirley Hruby, Jo Villhauer, Tina Gaunt and Mary Schropp for the love and care of our mother and grandmother!

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Betty's memory to Iowa City Hospice.

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

St. Jude Novena

May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day, your prayers will be answered on the ninth day. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St. Jude, for answered prayers.

Published Feb. 16, 2013 in The Gazette