Balster, Betty Lou 1926-2014

BALSTER, GRADERT, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 4/3/2014 at 17:28:03

Betty Lou (Schmidt) Balster age 87 of Clinton passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospitals following a massive stroke. Like her husband before her, she graciously donated her body to the University of Iowa, School of Medicine. She now joins her husband Robert for a couple’s dance in heaven.

Robert and Betty were married for nearly 67 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Joan. Betty is survived by sons Tom (Maggie) of Dubuque and Terry (Mary) of Greendale, WI. She is further survived by six grandchildren; Nicholas (Alison) Erik (Ashley), Andrew (Jennifer), Keri Andrews (David), Adam (Kathryn) and Ryan, as well as eight great grandchildren.

Betty was born July 9, 1926, in Clinton to Hugo and Viola (Gradert) Schmidt. She grew up in Preston. Betty was an executive secretary at A.C. Nielsen for many years. She was a member of eastern Star and Past President of the National Secretaries Association of Clinton. Following her retirement, Robert and Betty then began splitting time between Clinton and Mesa, Arizona. They always truly enjoyed life, golf and one another. Since Robert’s passing in 2012, Betty had taken up residence at Prairie Hills Assisted Living.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at the Pape Funeral Home to visit with family and friends, with a service to follow.

The family wishes to thanks the Prairie Hills Krambeck Staff for the care and love she received while there. We also want to express appreciation for the wonderful neighbors that helped her in so many ways. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.