Betty Jane Grieser passed away on Oct. 8, 2021, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family. Betty was born on Oct. 9, 1932, in Eau Claire, Michigan, to Reinhold and Theresa (Pjesky) Bruder. She was raised in Eau Claire and later in Benton Harbor where her family had a dairy farm, and she helped care for the family’s livestock.
She attended Collins School through eighth grade and then Benton Harbor High School. During her senior year of high school and following her graduation, Betty worked at Benton Harbor State Bank.
On Feb. 22, 1952, she married Dean Grieser. The two were high school sweethearts who met when they were just 16. Together, they made their home in Bainbridge Township where they farmed and raised their two children Janice and Jerrold.
Characterized by her strong work ethic, Betty invested many hours on the family farm where she planted fields, maintained grape vineyards, harvested cherries and apples, sorted and packed cantaloupe and cucumbers, and drove farm equipment. Betty’s life also reflected her care and concern for others. A “doer” who found it difficult to sit still, she often used baking as a means to serve family, friends and her community.
Betty’s faith played a key role in her life, and she was active in her church, serving in the nursery, providing meals to those in need, volunteering in Sunday School classes and singing in the choir.
Caring, compassionate, resilient and hardworking, Betty was dedicated to her family and offered a helping hand whenever needed. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Betty is survived by her husband of 69 years, Dean Grieser; children Janice (Robert) Scaletta and Jerrold (Debra) Grieser; and her sister Dorothy Paul. She is also survived by her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Those who wish may donate in Betty’s honor to Napier Parkview Baptist Church or Caring Circle, a local community-based palliative care and hospice organization.