Betty D. Gross

A celebration of life for Betty D. Gross, age 79, will be held on Thursday, August 4th at Grace Community Church in Roswell at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends immediately afterwards. Betty went home to be with The Lord on July 21, 2016. She died in her home peacefully with her family by her side after fighting a long term respiratory illness. Betty was born on a small farm a few miles north of Allen, Kansas to Frank and Florence Estes on February 15, 1937. She moved to a farm in Osage City, Kansas in the 4th grade and lived there until she married Kenneth Gross on September 15, 1956. After being stationed at several Air Force bases they moved to Roswell, N.M. in 1962. Betty worked as a legal secretary at Frasier, Cusack, and Schneider, and Associates (now known as Cusack, Jaramillo, and Associates) where she worked for 24 years. Later, she worked for Charles Currier, Gordon Gay and Marci Beyer for a short time. Betty was very active in the church, Noon Optimisses, and attended the majority of her kids’ and grand kids’ activities. She taught Sunday School, led youth groups, sewed many items, including flags, banners and uniforms for the high school band. She loved playing cards, especially Canasta. After she retired, she volunteered at her grandkids’ elementary schools. Betty was a great cook and was known for her wonderful pies. She had an amazing sense of humor, was quick witted, and loved everyone. She said, “If there is room in the heart, there is room in the home.” Betty is survived by four daughters, Terri Garvey of Roswell, Cindy and Bill Lindbloom of Marceline, MO, Kris Ard and Kelli and Milton Harper of Roswell, five grandchildren, B.J. Garvey of Blue Springs, MO, Krista Lofstrom and husband Chris of Marceline, MO, Destiny Harper, Coltton Harper, Wyatt Ard all of Roswell, two great-grandchildren, Haven and Bryar Lofstrom of Marceline, MO. She is also survived by one brother, Don and Arlene Estes of Palm Coast, Florida, one sister-in-law, Lou Estes of Osage City, Kansas and several nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Ken Gross, her parents, Frank and Florence Estes, a sister, Mary Tomlinson/Roberts, a brother, Bill Estes, a grandson, Charlie Lindbloom, and a son-in-law, Bob Garvey III. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memory stones or outdoor plants. Betty will be laid to rest at South Park Cemetery. Anderson Bethany Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. She will be greatly missed. Obituary was loving written by Betty’s family.

Betty D. Gross

February 15, 1937 - July 21, 2016