The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



Meet Your Neighbor

by Aryanne Westfall, The Quill

Betty Grau

Betty Jean Grau, 75, was raised in Henderson County all her life, but was born into Hancock County. She is 4'11 and was born on August, 30, 1958.

Betty has 4 children: Melissa Cheely (who she adopted), Danny Dickenson, Tina Parkins, and Amanda Carpenter. She also has 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and an 11 year old cat named Baby whom she loves very much.

Betty Grau is affiliated with many organizations. She is a member of the Christian Church in Stronghurst, the Lomax-Carman Senior Citizens, and works part-time at FOCC when she can.

On occasion she will donate old clothes, foods, or other items she does not use anymore to FOCC.

Betty has an older sister named Carol, whom she had viewed as a role model when growing up. "She was older than me, and we spent a lot of time together." Betty said. "We try to meet up every year on the anniversary of our mother's death and spend time together."

In her free time, Betty enjoys knitting and reading. She often reads books by Al Cody, his stories are based in the Old West. When Betty was in high school she was a part of the baseball team and enjoyed the sport very much. This March, Betty had the opportunity to spend an entire month in Florida with her oldest daughter, Amanda. She visited the ocean, got to take photos at the place where Elvis was buried (her favorite singer), and enjoyed the warm weather.

When asked if she was in any clubs while in school she responded, "I don't think so. We didn't have those when I went to school."

Betty Grau is the proud daughter of Ila and Estel Reynolds. She is a very generous person who often goes out of her way to help those she cares about and is a hard worker. Betty is able to accomplish great feats when she puts her mind to it.