Betty J. Gross

Betty J. Gross, 96, of Ephrata and recent resident of United Zion Retirement Community, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the presence of her loving family. Born in Hinkletown, Betty was a daughter of the late Amos and Alda (Dunmoyer) Nolt and the devoted wife of over 40 years to John I. Gross Jr. until his passing in 1988.

Betty began raising her family in Reinholds then in 1968, moved to Ephrata. Betty was a Notary Public for the family business, John Gross Messenger Service in Ephrata until her husband passed. She was a skilled seamstress and started her own parttime alterations business, making the dance costumes for Encore Dance Studio, alterations for numerous proms, weddings, and other local needs. Betty was a member of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren and was a former Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed painting and was a gifted artist with both acrylics and watercolor. Her brushstrokes on the canvas are now treasured gifts to her family. Even in her 90’s, her work was selected to be displayed in art shows and contests. She was creative, resourceful and she did not like waste; she found a use for practically everything. Her family was deeply important to her, she was the historian of all things ‘Gross’, knowing every date, event, story, and relationship.

Betty is survived by John L. Gross (Patricia) of Akron, Kathy A. Flory of Lebanon, Connie S. Miller (Gary) of Newmanstown, Lindy J. Newswanger (Ronald) of Lititz; eight grandchildren, Kevin, Bradley, Joseph, Joshua, Sarah, Amy, Stacy, Tonya, and Allen; three step-grandchildren, Shawn, Ronald Jr., Tawnia; numerous great grandchildren; two brothers, William "Rufus" Nolt and James L. Nolt.

In addition to her husband, Betty was predeceased by granddaughter, Rebekkah; and sister, M. Joyce James.

Viewings will be held on Tues., May 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 100 W. Main St., Ephrata and on Wed., May 29th from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, 201 Crescent Ave, Ephrata. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in church. Interment will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery Annex, then family and friends are invited to return to church for a reception.