- Date Of Birth: May 22, 1932
- Date Of Death: January 3, 2022
- State: Idaho
Betty Rose Mead, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 3, 2022, at Fairwinds-Sand Creek Retirement Community.
Betty, whose unmistakable laugh stood out to everyone that met her, was born May 22, 1932, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Daniel Wesley Ball and Mary Ann Krieger Ball. She grew up and attended schools in Ammon, Lincoln, and Iona.
In her teens, Betty worked in the beet fields where she caught the eye of a dashing, slightly older fella, Robert William Mead. That beet field infatuation turned into a 57-year marriage and love story that started on the steps of a judge’s home on New Year’s Day 1950—right before their marriage license was about to expire.
Betty and Bob were blessed with three daughters who filled their home with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of mischief. Betty raised her girls in California and Idaho, and was heavily involved in school activities. She even served as PTA President. On top of school activities, Betty was often caught playing pranks on her girls and was always willing to join in on whatever fun they were up to.
Betty’s fun spirit, open heart, and generosity would only grow as she went on to embrace 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. As “Big Grandma” she delighted her grandchildren with a full cookie jar, plenty of Nesquik chocolate (and strawberry) milk, dress-up clothes, coloring books, puzzles, and every manner of entertainment they could hope for.
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She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Craig) Bischke of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Lennie (Bob) Hunt of Twin Falls, ID; brother, Donald Jay Ball of Idaho Falls, ID; and her slew of grandchildren (great and double great, too!).
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mary Ann Ball; husband, Robert William Mead, Jr.; brother, Clarence Ball; daughter, Debora Lynn Skidmore; and a great-grandson.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers from Hands of Hope Hospice and Fairwinds-Sand Creek Retirement Community who made the last several months lighter, lovelier, safer, and full of more laughter for both Betty, her friends, and her family. Special thanks also to folks from St.
