Betty Ann Grasmick

On September 14, 2022, Betty Ann Grasmick passed away at the age of 84. Prior to her passing she had the opportunity to be surrounded by many family and friends who shared stories about her and what an amazing woman she was. Her life was definitely a life well lived and her positive influence was widespread across so many walks of life.

Betty was born on February 8, 1938, in Fowler, CO to Clair & Josephine Spears. She was the youngest child and her siblings included Clayton, Phyllis, and Joe. Betty had a wonderful childhood in Fowler, Colorado and enjoyed many activities with her friends and family. She played the clarinet in the Fowler High School band. In 1955, a young man, Robert Grasmick, paid a local boy a dime to find out the name and phone number of this beautiful clarinet player. The two started dating and later married.

Betty graduated from Fowler High School in 1956 and later received her teaching degree in 1960 from Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado. On June 8, 1958, she married the love of her life, Robert, and they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They had a wonderful partnership and served as role models to family and friends on what a successful marriage looks like.

Betty was an incredible mother to her three children, Debbie (Paul Stewart), Steven (Penny Grasmick) and Brenda (Jim Dwyer). She was a loving, hard-working mother, and was there 100% of the time for her children no matter their age or their needs.

She was a wonderful grandmother to 10 grandchildren including Matt (Jen) and Chris Stewart (Clarissa); Lindsey, Kirsten (Max Whitmer), and Brandon Grasmick; Tausha, Meisha, and Calie Rushton (Cory Cuculis) and Jake and Nick Dwyer. Her grandkids always enjoyed spending time with her on the ranch and have many special memories of their time together. In recent years, she joyfully welcomed the grandchildren’s spouses and four great grandchildren to the family including Torin, Paisley, Zane, and Teagan. Nothing could brighten up her day more than seeing these little ones.

Betty taught school for 35 years. She began her career teaching Kindergarten with classes having upwards of 50 children. She then taught fifth grade and developed a love for teaching science. She always furthered her education no matter what her age and spent several summers back at UNC continuing to learn. She influenced more than 1000 students over the years and served as a mentor to young teachers or those struggling in the profession.

Even though Betty worked full time, she was also a full-time ranch wife. She helped Robert manage big and small matters related to the ranch. Ranching was often tough, and Betty was always there to partner with Robert to have a successful ranching business for 52 years. She loved all animals and along with the farm animals, she enjoyed her numerous pet cats and dogs. In 2013, Betty and Robert were honored as the Bent County Farm and Ranch Family of the year.

Betty was active at the Las Animas Methodist Church for 52 years, teaching Sunday school for many of those years. She was the volunteer extraordinaire and would always say ‘yes’ when asked for help with whatever was needed by her church family. In 1990, she started the Memorial Garden at the church. She partnered with organizations like the Denver Botanical Gardens to track the success of plants in this climate. The garden was always beautiful with a wide variety of flowers and plants. Betty was also a member of the bell choir, and she enjoyed making music.

When she and Robert moved to La Junta in 2014, she continued her love of flower gardening in her new home. She joined the La Junta Methodist Church. Here she would often give the children’s sermon in person which was also broadcasted on the local radio station. She also played in the bell choir and volunteered for serving meals and for the church yard sales.

Betty always put others first, her family, friends, or even strangers who needed support. She truly had a servant’s heart. This often meant making a meal for the sick, cutting flowers from her garden for a cheerful delivery, or just lending an ear. She was a true friend to so many and her heart was as big as her smile.

When she was not caring for others, she loved to read. After she retired, she would read 3-4 novels a week and she especially loved a good mystery. The library was one of her favorite places. She enjoyed road trips with her family in the early years and later she and Robert took trips to many wonderful places including 49 states. She loved playing games and taught her children and grandchildren the meaning of sportsmanship at family game night. Betty and Robert belonged to a pinochle group, and they played monthly with their dear friends for more than 50 years.

Betty has left us with a legacy of love. She will be dearly missed by so many who knew and loved her so much. We welcome you to add comments of your memories of Betty to the comments section to join us in honoring this amazing woman.

A memorial service and lunch reception honoring Betty and celebrating her life will be held at the La Junta United Methodist Church Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Lynne Tabb officiating. Followed by a graveside service at the Bent County-Las Animas Cemetery at 1:30 pm. The service can be streamed at Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Las Animas or La Junta Public Library direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.