Betty June Stoll

Betty June Stoll, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was defined by family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys.

Betty was born on June 6, 1935, to Robert Roy and Lois Allene Grove. She grew up surrounded by the love and companionship of her six brothers and sisters, relationships she treasured throughout her life. The close bonds she shared with her family helped shape the caring, generous, and loving woman so many knew and loved.

Betty treasured her family and the many traditions they shared together. She enjoyed going to garage sales, square dancing with her beloved husband, Duane, playing bridge with friends, and camping with family across several states. One of her favorite traditions began more than 50 years ago when she, Duane, and her sisters’ families started camping at the Iowa State Fair each year, a special tradition that continues today through her children and grandchildren. Betty also loved sharing her cooking and baking with family, and many of her grandchildren continue to make some of her favorite recipes, including zucchini bread, wilted lettuce, Kringlas, and homemade ice cream. She was well known for her many Jello salads and her love of fresh fruits and vegetables, creating lasting memories around the family table.

After retirement, Betty and Duane spent their winters in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. They enjoyed camping with friends and family, country music festivals, flea markets, fresh grapefruit and vegetables, and visits from their grandchildren, which always brought Betty great joy.

In her later years, Betty was rarely without a good book or a word-search puzzle. She was an enthusiastic fan of Caitlin Clark and enjoyed cheering for Iowa sports teams, especially the Hawkeyes, alongside Duane.

Above all else, Betty's greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She cherished the loving relationships she shared with her siblings and the many memories they created together. Her kindness, warmth, and devotion to family will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Duane Dale Stoll of Clive, Iowa; her children, Kimberly Nettleton of Houston, Texas; Christopher (Janine) Stoll of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Susan (Terry) Smith of Robins, Iowa; and her cherished grandchildren, Alec (Amanda) Nettleton of Littleton, Colorado; Kelby Nettleton of Houston, Texas; Emily (Jared) Stoll of Des Moines, Iowa; Zachary (Ashlei) Stoll of Des Moines, Iowa; Brandon (Natalie) Smith of Marion, Iowa; and Kathleen Smith of Robins, Iowa. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Roy Grove and Lois Allene Grove, and her siblings, Robert Grove, Deloris Curtis, Juanita Chamberlain, Nancy Askren, Charles Grove, and Larry Grove, along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Betty's life on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Betty will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery following the service. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Blue-Ribbon Foundation at the Iowa State Fair or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support, and to Meadowview of Clive for providing Betty with a caring home and assistance during her final years.