Betty Jo (Gengler) Kaba

Betty Jo (Gengler) Kaba, of Stockton, passed away on December 9, 2023, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 81.

She was born on October 22, 1942, to Joseph Charles and Edna June (White) Gengler in Osborne, Kansas. She married Paul Grieve in 1959, and he passed away in 1969. Betty later married Lee Kaba and their marriage ended in divorce.

Betty grew up in Osborne, Kansas and attended high school. At the age of 47, Betty went to Cloud Community College to become a registered nurse. She worked 27 years in the profession. A hard worker all her life, Betty continued working a few days a week well past the age of 65 and only retired because of COVID-19. She was very proud to have completed her nursing education.

An avid reader and life-long learner, Betty taught herself many crafts and fiber arts. She loved quilting, knitting, embroidery, cross-stitching, and crocheting. After taking a watercolor class during her nursing education, Betty started to dabble with different painting projects. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and anything that inspired creativity. Betty was a very intelligent and talented lady. She enjoyed making things for others —especially quilts.

Family was everything to Betty, and she always did her best for them. She worked hard to provide for her children and lovingly cared for her parents during their final years. Out of necessity, Betty learned to fix the car, plumb a toilet or sink, and repair a washing machine or dryer—all before YouTube and Google! A small but mighty woman, she tackled tasks head-on and was masterful at making do. She loved spending time with her family. It was a boisterous affair when everyone got together, and Betty loved every minute of it. Her famous fried chicken and delicious chicken gizzards were often highlights of these gatherings. Known for her bountiful candy stashes, Betty enjoyed spoiling her family by always having their favorite candies on hand. The grandchildren seldom left her home without a “poke” (a Ziplock sandwich bag with treats).   

She is survived by her children, Lois St. Clair of Stockton, Terri (Greg) Moore of Stockton, Tracy (Connie Brummer) Grieve of Stockton, Shari (Troy) Buss of Logan, Christopher Kaba of Stockton, Michael Kaba of Logan, Brian Kaba of Woodworth, North Dakota, and step-daughter, Lisa (Gary) Heinritz of Paonia, Colo.; sister, Charlene Anderson of Marion; ten grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Betty in death are husband, Paul Grieve; her parents; and sisters, Joan Luntsford and Roxanne Goodenough. 

A private family burial will be held on December 15, 2023, at the Downs City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com