Betty Jane (Tobin) Bales was born September 5, 1938 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Joseph E. & Doris M. (Wentworth) Tobin. In 1949 the family moved to Tabor, Iowa where Betty grew up. In her high school years, Betty’s interests were basketball, cheerleading and boys”_.not necessarily in that order. She was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and held the position of Worthy Advisor. She graduated from Tabor High School in 1956.
In December 1958, Betty met Ronald D. Bales. On February 28, 1959 Betty and Ron (having known each other for only two months) were married in a small ceremony in Braddyville, Iowa. To this union, two children were born. Betty and Ron made their home in Tabor where Betty worked for the First State Bank and Ron was a teacher and principal at Tabor High School. In 1967 Betty and Ron moved to Glenwood where Ron was hired and later served as Assistant Superintendent of the Glenwood State Hospital School and Betty went to work for the Mills County State Bank (now First National Bank) in Glenwood. Betty was an officer of the bank and head cashier until her retirement in 2008.
Family was Betty’s passion, especially her 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She loved cooking for them and having Sunday dinners, mashed potatoes being her specialty. Betty believed in public service and served many years on the Glenwood Public Library Board as well as on the Mills County Election Board. In 1991 Betty was named Glenwood’s “Outcast Queen”. She was a member of the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce from 1989-1991 and was Chamber President in 1991. Betty loved to play bridge and in her prime belonged to several local bridge clubs. Betty was blessed with a unique and lively sense of humor and used it to make the lives of those around her fun and interesting. Betty was a very positive and happy person, believing that “Happiness is a Choice” and was a brilliant example of that philosophy. Her generosity and kind heart touched the lives of many people.
Preceding Betty in death were her parents, infant brother James, infant sisters Joyce and Joelene, and nephew Jesse, mother and father-in-law Blanche and Cliff Bales, and sister-in-law JoAnn Kenagy. Those left to mourn her leaving are her husband Ron, daughter Roni (Joe) Score, son Tony (Wendy) Bales; grandchildren Amber (Matt) Dyer, Tyler McCreary, Kenzie (Daniel) Meggison, Sarah Score, Noa, Isaac, Eli, Silas Bales; great-grandchildren Brock and Marla Dyer; siblings, Kathy (Chuck) Douglass, Mike (Paula) Tobin and Pat Tobin and special friend Jane Dancer; numerous nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Interment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library or Hospice With Heart.
Visitation:Sunday, September 7, 2014
5:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Monday, September 8, 2014
10:00 AM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
15 Condolences
Betty and I go back a long way.We were playmates and classmates in Tabor! Later it was always nice to see her at the Mills Co Bank! I also taught her granddaughter Kenzi in school! She was alovely lady that will be missed by all those she touched!! God Bless you Ron and family!
Betty and I go back a long way.We were playmates and classmates in Tabor! Later it was always nice to see her at the Mills Co Bank! I also taught her granddaughter Kenzi in school! She was alovely lady that will be missed by all those she touched!! God Bless you Ron and family!
Ron, my thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Ron and family, Your loss is shared by many. May God bless you and hold you in his arms. With sincere sympathy, Paulette Engstrand Parrott
Kenzie and family: Betty gave me my first job in Glenwood. She was very nice to wok with at Mills County Bank.
Sorry for your loss.
Dianna, Dale and Darin Mellor
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Ron stay strong during this difficult time. We are all here for you and know that Betty is in Heaven watching over you all.
I am at a loss for words. Betty was my neighbor girl growing up in Tabor. Since then the Bales’ family has been such a huge part in building fond memories for me. God bless Betty, and God bless Ron, Roni & Tony and their families. I love you all.
So sorry for your loss Ron of your sweet Betty. Certainly a classy lady that will be missed by many. Take care of yourself and your family.
Maletta Moddelmog
You’re the best Gram anyone could ask for. I’ll see you again someday.
I love you.
My favorite thing about Betty was listening to her fun stories. I loved all the tricks she did to Ron when he would go golfing. A couple of my favorites– When she bought a truck because she wanted something moved and Ron wouldn’t borrow one! When she told him she put diesel in her car instead of gas! When she knew someone at the car dealer and put his car on the lot for him to see.. having him think she traded it in! I just loved this women and her attitude. I am glad she is in a better place now. I hope she knows she was loved and will be missed. All of you are in our Prayers especially Ron. Love you! Sundee & Derek!
Dear Ron and family,
What a loss. Your Betty was truly one of a kind and loved by all who met her. We extend our deepest sympathies.
Harold and Barbara Kaiman
I was so sad when my sister told me about Betty’s passing. I lived and worked in Glenwood many years ago. I worked at the bank with Betty. I learned so much from her – she was a wonderful teacher, friend and co-worker. We had so much fun together. I will always remember Betty’s smile. When she smiled, her face would light up the room. She really made a difference; she cared and gave so much to everybody around her. Ron, Roni and Tony – and all of her loved ones; I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that Betty left a wonderful, positive, loving mark on my life that I will never forget.
Love to you all,
Tamra Kirl
2815 Capps St
San Diego, CA 92104
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is “close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.
Ron and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Betty was just a joy to be around. We always looked forward to when Ron & Betty was coming to Wichita. Betty was so much fun to be around. We loved her stories and all the mischevious things she did. We loved playing games and cards with them during their visits. She will be very missed.
Missing you, Gram.
I think about you ever day.
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