Betty A. Griffin

May 15, 1924 - January 12, 2021

Heaven is for real! Betty Griffin very much lived in this world, loving and serving others, and very much looked forward to spending eternity with Jesus Christ and her husband of 72 years, Joseph Griffin. Betty Almarine Ruberg was born May 15, 1924, to John and Erna Ruberg on a farm southwest of Denison. Beginning her education at the Coon Grove Country School, she graduated from Denison High School and went on to nurses’ training in Evanston, Illinois. Starting at the Old Hospital in Denison and the Crawford County Hospital, she worked in nearly every department, surgery, obstetrics, nursery, patient care, and private care. Her career included assisting physicians Johnson, Bendixen, and White for many years. She loved nursing and nursing loved her. Introduced by her brother as a blind date for an FAA roller skating party, Bettty met Joe, the love of her life. For both of them, it was love at first sight followed by shared rides in the Model T back and forth to high school and dances. They married January 3, 1944, a short time before Joe was drafted into the Marines and shipped out to Iwo Jima. In the indomitable spirit of Betty, she earned train fare to San Diego and found a job in a bakery, so she could see Joe a few more times while he was in basic training, The last time she saw him, he was so sunburned with hair cut so short, she barely recognized him. In a sea of young faces, he was standing and waving from a procession of trucks enroute to waiting ships. Betty came home to work, wait, and pray for his safe return. She kept the terse telegram from President Roosevelt that Joe had been wounded. For weeks, not knowing the extent of his injuries, Betty rejoiced that Joe was alive and that both of their prayers had been answered. Following nearly a year in naval hospitals, Joe recovered; and he and Betty eventually moved to the family farm outside of Denison to raise three children. Life was simple and rich in memories. Bob, Connie, and James attended the same Coon Grove Country School, graduated from Denison High School, and attended college, fulfilling Betty and Joe’s commitment to hard work with college as a goal for their children. Betty was baptized, confirmed, and married at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, belonged to Dorcas and Ladies Aid, and, interestingly enough, was often the treasurer. She was awed and faithful in the Altar Guild, carefully preparing the elements for communion. However, her heart was totally captured by the Evangelism Committee, involving in-home visitation to members who had been absent. She loved telling people about Jesus, His love for them, and eternal life. As Joe and Betty’s family expanded with marriages, ten grandchildren, and eventually nineteen great grandchildren, she joyously shared Jesus with them, as well as the glory of heaven. Her constant words “Be There” were spoken and emblazoned on countless cards, notes, and care packages. In addition to her faith, Betty’s lasting legacy includes her zest for life, both in living it and in giving it to others. She and Joe danced their way through the decades, beginning with square dancing and continuing through the big band era they loved. She and Joe ran an encouragement ministry, delivering hundreds of loaves of homemade wheat bread, cinnamon rolls that became famous (particularly with the grandchildren), cookies, and prayers to hurting people. As a breast cancer survivor, Betty sought out recently diagnosed women, assuring them and giving them physical and emotional support. Betty began playing golf at 50, advancing to competitions for women and even a Hole-in-One at Majestic Hills. At a later age, Betty and Joe also learned bridge, making new life-long friends. She was an avid learner and loved studying the Bible, always delving for the deeper meaning. Blessing the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren beyond measure, Betty and Joe sat down every day with their Bibles and prayed for each one. Their prayers go forward. Living her vibrant faith, Betty was an extraordinary entertainer and loved a home filled with good food, love, laughter and an open door. Betty’s enthusiasm for life was truly inspirational! With this bright legacy, Betty left this world January 12 to join her beloved, Joe. In the difficulty of her final days, there was a particular point of blessing when Betty’s entire countenance shone. Her eyes reflected the overwhelming brilliance of heaven, as she clearly said “Papa” followed by “good-bye.” Betty loved and dearly enjoyed her extended family with many nieces and nephews, sister Jean Jensen, brother Ray Ruberg , and sister-in-law Theresa Rohwer. Due to covid, her Memorial Service has been delayed until Saturday, July 31, at 10:00 AM at the Majestic Hills Country Club. She is survived by her children: Bob and wife Judy from New York; Connie and husband Brent (Waldron) from Colorado; and James from Alaska, Her grandchildren and great grandchildren miss her greatly but they have treasured memories of Granny. Betty is there….and waiting for the rest of us!!