Betty Ann Esau

Betty Ann Esau, 91, of Beatrice, Nebraska, entered eternal rest on July 31, 2024. Born on September 16, 1932 in Beatrice, NE, to Henry and Hedwig (Penner) Epp, Betty lived a life of compassion, dedication, and love. As an active member of the First Mennonite Church and the Ladies Aid of the church, she found joy in serving her community. Volunteering at local institutions such as the Beatrice Community Hospital, Beatrice Food Pantry, Gage County Fair, Mother to Mother at Burwood Books, and for 4-H, Betty embodied a quote by Helen Keller: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

Betty graduated from Beatrice High School in 1951 and then married the love of her life, Harvey Esau, on October 4th of the same year. She was a devoted mother and homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and entertaining her family and friends. For several years, she also worked as a cook at Tri-County school, retiring at the age of 83. Betty was a thoughtful and loving woman whose family and their activities meant the world to her.

Betty is survived by her children, Don (Jane) Esau of Beatrice, J. (Bob) Brown of Hesston, KS, and Julie (Felix) Grimmett of Austin, TX; grandchildren Brett (Darcy) Esau, Brandon (Cara) Esau, Kelli (Stan) McClurg, and Alli Krase; great grandchildren Miles, Sloan & Gentre Esau, Maxson, Navy Jo, & Baker Esau, and Harvey & Elsie McClurg; by sister in law Marjorie Epp; and by her nieces and nephews that meant so much to her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Hedwig (Penner) Epp; her second mother who raised her, Helen (Penner) Epp; her beloved husband, Harvey Esau (2000); brother, Harold Epp; brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis & Martha Goossen and Robert & Ruth Esau.

Her spirit will live on in those who knew her, a testament to her beautiful soul and the love she shared with all. "The heart that loves is always young," an old Greek proverb says, and Betty's heart was indeed young, filled with love for her family, friends, and community.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the First Mennonite Church, west of Beatrice. The service will be livestreamed by the church on YouTube. Burial of her ashes will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Mennonite Cemetery. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place, but a register book will be available for signatures on Thursday from 12:00-8:00 PM at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice, with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 PM. In Lieu of Flowers, a memorial is established to the First Mennonite Church, Gage County Ag Society, and the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp with John Penner and Gene Penner in charge. 

To celebrate Betty's life and keep her memory alive, we invite you to share your cherished memories and photos on her memorial page. You may also watch her video tribute and her celebration of life service on www.ghchapel.com. Your stories and pictures will serve as a beautiful testament to Betty's loving and compassionate spirit.

 These services are entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.