Betty Marie Pollock, age 86, of Anita, IA, passed away February 3, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Betty was born on a farm outside of Exira, IA, on August 18, 1934. Her parents were Martin and Anna K. Larsen. She attended school in Anita and graduated in 1952 from Anita High School. Shortly after she graduated from AHS, Betty moved to Denver, CO, and worked for the Rocky Mountain National Arsenal before returning to Iowa. Betty was united in marriage to Donald Dean Pollock on April 27, 1953, in Council Bluffs, IA.
They were the loving parents of three children, David, Diane and Daniel, three grandchildren, Jamie, Katie and Michael, and three great-grandchildren, Caylee, Jack and Clare. After marrying Don, Betty began her lifetime career in the grain elevator business, initially working as a bookkeeper at the Anita Co-Op where she would eventually become the Assistant Manager. She also worked as a bookkeeper at the Cass County Elevator in Atlantic, IA. In 1979, Betty and Don purchased the Wiota Elevator and further expanded their business when they purchased the Anita Co-Op in 1997. Betty was the “boss” of the operations and many local farmers relied on her extensive knowledge of the grain business when marketing their corn and soybeans. Betty worked until the age of 81 when the elevators were purchased by the United Farmers Mercantile Co-Op of Red Oak.
Betty lived almost her entire life in Anita and was an active member of the community. Don and Betty, along with their family and many local volunteers, were instrumental in the development and building of the Crestwood Hills Golf Course. She was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Although she ran the business until the age of 81, Betty never officially retired. She enjoyed helping others in the community, especially if they needed assistance with lawn care. She loved to mow, cut down trees, and start a good fire. Betty loved to fish at her “secret pond” and shared this love with her children and their friends, and later her grandchildren. She never passed up the opportunity to mentor local youth in all aspects of fishing from casting a line to filleting a fish. She loved to read, work jigsaw puzzles, play solitaire and watch the Wheel of Fortune. Betty enjoyed travelling and loved taking her grandchildren to Branson, MO, to enjoy the shows performed there. She will be remembered by many for the good times they shared. Betty was very proud of her Danish heritage. She enjoyed making authentic Danish dishes and spending time in Elk Horn, IA. Betty was lovingly known as Grandma Betty to many.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Anna (Larson) Larsen; her husband, Donald; her siblings, Irene (Harold) Schwenneker, Thelma (John) Jergens, Ethel (Robert) Waters, Norman Larsen, Phyllis (John) Williams, Kenneth (LaVonne) Larsen, Harold Larsen; brother-in-law, Harlan McCaw; son-in-law, Michael Bryant; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rowley Jr. (Shirley) Pollock and William (Marguerite) Pollock.
Betty is survived by her children, David (Julie) Pollock, Diane Bryant and Daniel Pollock; her grandchildren, Jamie (Anthony) Mocarski, Katie Pollock, Michael Bryant; her great-grandchildren, Caylee Roegee, Jack and Clare Mocarski; her sister, Marna McCaw; her sister-in-law, Leola Larsen; her very special “partners in crime” and relatives, Tracey and John Knutson and Robbie Metheney; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by the staff at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Anita, IA.
