Bette Jane Gratopp

Bette Jane (Larson) Gratopp was born on July 6, 1922 to Arthur and Effie (Danielson) Larson in Geneva, Nebraska. She passed away on May 5, 2023 at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 100 years, 10 months and 5 days. Bette grew up on a farm north of Geneva and graduated from Geneva High School with the class of 1940. She attended many reunions including her 75th which was a very special time for her. She went on to graduate from the Denver school of Commerce with a Secretary Degree and returned home to Geneva to work and raise her family. Bette married Stuart Gratopp in 1943 and two boys were born to them, Gary and Robert (Bob), on the farm west of Geneva. She worked as a farm wife and later for many years at the YDC in Geneva as administrative aide to the director. The couple later moved to town and made their home in Geneva while farming and helping at the Gratopp insurance agency. Bette spent many of her most favorite times following her son, Bob’s athletic success in high school and at the University of Nebraska. In her free time, she was an avid cook/baker, vegetable canner and bridge player. We were all spoiled by her special birthday cakes, pies and overall amazing abilities in the kitchen. Bette became a very active member of the community as a longtime member at Grace Lutheran Church, served on the Fillmore County Hospital Auxiliary and Extension club along with numerous bridge clubs with dear friends over the years. Bette was a very kind, positive, patient and loving mom, grandma and friend to all that she knew. She persevered after much loss in her life with her boys and still managed to be a strong and loving grandma. She always showed love to her grandsons and great grandchildren and numerous lady friends at bridge, coffee and the senior center. It was a great highlight of her life to celebrate her 100th birthday with a party last year. She kept saying “I can’t believe I am 100.” Bette was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Effie; husband, Stuart; boys Gary and Bob; brothers and sisters-in-law Bud (Eunice) and Donald (Jean); sister and brother-in-law Arlene (Lester) Souba; and many roommates and dear friends in her life. In her last year she often asked why she was still here, and she talked about receiving the gift of eternal life in heaven and reuniting with her boys. She is survived by her grandsons, Ryan (Heidi) of Lincoln, Nebraska and Ross (Jill) of Overland Park, Kansas. She adored her great grandchildren Charlotte, Quinn and Sloane Gratopp of Lincoln and Jett, Camden and Knox Gratopp of Overland Park; niece and nephew, Dianne (Donn) Fraser of St. Helena, California and Larry (Mary) Larson of Lincoln, Nebraska. Bette and our family would also like to include ALL the staff at Fairview Manor over the years as extended family. She had the most loving care possible over the 10 plus years she was a resident. We will miss grandma Bette very much but we know she was a faithful servant of the word and had The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her heart and mind. A Funeral Service for Betty was held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva. Pastor Nick Mount presided over the Funeral Service and the recorded selections “In The Garden,” “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” and “How Great Thou Art” were played. Pallbearers included Ryan Gratopp, Ross Gratopp, Larry Larson, P.R. Farmer, Alex O’Brien, and Pat O’Brien. A Private Graveside Service was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Fairview Manor Lighted Cross Fund or the Grace Lutheran Church.

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Bette Jane Gratopp

July 6, 1922 - May 5, 2023