Betty Ruth (Ball) Grimes

With hearts full of love and gratitude for her life, we celebrate the home going of Mrs. Betty Ruth Grimes, who was born on June 15, 1947, and entered eternal rest on September 22, 2025, in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Betty was a woman of unshakable faith, boundless love, and strength beyond measure. She was married to the love of her life, Donald Lee Grimes, and together they built a home filled with devotion, laughter, and care. Betty was the proud mother of three children: Tonia Ball Coles, Anitra Ball, and Joey Ball. Her heart overflowed with joy for her family, especially her granddaughter, Brittany Ball Washington (husband, Mike), and her great-granddaughter, Harper, who was the light of her later years.

For more than fifty years, Betty devoted herself to creating a warm, welcoming home. She lovingly cared for children in her home for many years, treating each one as her own. It was in this role that she became affectionately known as “Aunt Betty,” “Nana Betty,” or “Mama Betty.” She loved the children she cared for with a mother’s heart, and through her nurturing spirit, many who entered her home became family instantly. Betty’s legacy of love is one that will endure for generations to come.

Betty loved to read, to laugh, and to share her wit and wisdom with those around her. She had a unique wit and a feisty spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was known for her tender phrase, “love you more,” which she often said to those she held dear—a reminder of her boundless affection and her way of always making sure others felt her love more deeply than words could express.

She lived with a heart big enough to embrace others as her own, a faith strong enough to carry her through every storm, and a courage that inspired those who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Funnie Ball and Joseph Ball, and her son-in-law, Harvey Coles.

She is survived by her loving husband, children, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, sisters Carolyn Grimes and Phyllis Grimes, brothers Joe Grimes (Debbie) and Billy Grimes (Cindy), and a host of nieces, extended family, and friends who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.

Though Betty’s earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, strength, and love continues in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testimony of God’s grace and the power of a love that never wavered.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Boone Mennonite Brethren Church, Boone, NC Visitation from 12:00-1:00 with funeral service to follow. Burial will be at Clarissa Hill Cemetery, Boone, NC.

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Grimes family.

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