Betty B. Penrod, affectionately known as “GRANDMA”, passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 97, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born in Portland, Indiana on December 12, 1928. As the only girl who grew up with four brothers, she cultivated a uniquely strong work ethic and resilience. At the age of 19, Betty became a devoted wife to Everett T. Penrod. (Who preceded her in death.) They were married on March 8, 1947. They had 2 children, Dean A. Penrod, deceased (wife, Jean, deceased); and Diana S. Schmidt (Husband, Gary, deceased). Her grandchildren are: Kerioka R. Henkle (husband, Bryan), and Jacob W. Schmidt. She got to share the last several birthdays with her great-grandchild, Sophia B. Henkle. Betty lived a life rooted in love and family. Her home was a sanctuary of love and comfort.

Betty enjoyed decorating for every holiday. The seasonal signs, lights, fiber optic decor, Christmas villages and train circling the main tree were just some of the decor she would unpack. Her festive nature was a delight for everyone. Her house was well known in the neighborhood, and neighbors would watch for when she would take the current decorations down and set up for the next holiday. In later years, she would enlist her grandchildren to help decorate outside.

Betty’s hands were rarely ever still. She worked on word-seek puzzles while riding in the car. Her collection of 300-piece puzzles was carefully curated, rapidly expanding, and frequently enjoyed. She would crochet doilies while watching TV that she liked to sell in her daughter’s craft booth. She enjoyed going to craft shows with her family and getting to walk around and look at other crafter’s items.

If Betty wasn’t trimming the hedges, mowing the lawn, caring for her flower beds, or scraping the house to paint, she would get her exercise in by walking laps at the fairgrounds. Her strides were so quick the rest of the family had a hard time keeping up.

Betty’s unwavering devotion and joy to her grandchildren was a defining role in her life. She would start reading to each grandchild at a very early age. She kept a small library, age-appropriate, for each child. Each of us has a favorite book that she read to us. She always made time for her grandchildren, playing games, play acting, and indulging whatever curiosity. She would always cook her babies their favorite meals and goodies, and serve them upon request, like a short order cook. Her grocery list routinely contained all the goodies the kids loved. She loved taking her babies on trips, to Bearcreek Farms, Rock City Gardens, or Indiana Beach. There wasn’t a limit to her spoiling her babies. The one memory we ALL have is Grandma carrying a wet washcloth in a baggie in her purse—just so she could wipe down our faces, keeping us clean.

Working endlessly for her family was never a bother. Even in her later days, when her energy waned, Betty could still muster enough for a trip to town rummages, and to eat at a sit-down restaurant. If the restaurant served meat loaf or mashed potatoes, it instantly became 4-star dining. She clothed all of her children by rummage sale, often finding like-new clothing and saving it back until it became the right size.

A devout Christian, she was a member of Evangelical Methodist Church in Portland, Indiana. She served several years as a Sunday school teacher, board member, and church historian. Her Sunday school children remember her cute animal cut-outs with Bible verses inside. She used crafty ideas to share the word of Jesus. Betty was an observer of life, recording her thoughts and memories. Whether she was writing in her journal what she learnt about each book of the Bible—and then sharing that with the adult class at Sunday School—or snipping the newspaper for articles to paste in her scrapbooks, she wanted to ensure nothing would be lost or missing.

For those that didn’t know her well—she had spunk. One of her favorite past times was watching wrestling—even while completing chores. Yes—this little sweet woman loved wrestling, and she never missed an episode since it first aired in the 1950s. She kept track of the watch times throughout the week.

Betty’s life was like a tapestry of moments both tender and vibrant beneath a demure demeanor. She was a beacon of light for her family and all who got to know her. Betty Penrod’s legacy will live on in the hearts she touched and the love she so freely gave.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 12-2 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Arnold will officiate and burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery, north of Union City.