Betty J. Rock

Betty J. Rock, 82, of East Moline, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, February 23, at First United Presbyterian Church, Moline. Interment will be Noon, Friday, February 24, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church or Moline Public Schools Foundation.

Betty Jane Barr was born on January 13, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa to Norman and Helen (Hajny) Barr. She graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1958 and St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Cedar Rapids in 1961. She had fond memories of living in the nursing dorm, where she made lifelong friends. She worked as an RN in an office setting and at the Veteran’s Hospital in Iowa City. On January 23, 1965, Betty married John A. Rock at First Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, Iowa. They were married for 58 years.

While raising three children, Betty was a member of the PTA and the University of Illinois Mom’s Association. She was a member of First United Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for 34 years. Betty enjoyed listening to music, taking family vacations, growing houseplants, and attending her children's and grandchildren’s various sports and activities. She especially enjoyed baking bread and cookies to share with family and friends and was a dedicated sender of cards for holidays and special occasions.

Betty is survived by her husband, John; son, Kevin, Plano, Texas; daughters, Sara (Brian) Brahm, Moline, Linda (David) Hassman, Park Ridge; grandchildren, Anna, Lauren and Kristen Brahm, Nicole (Alex) Kangas, Andrea, Katrina, Christian and Alexander Hassman; sister, Beverly (Gary) McKnight, Ankeny, Iowa; brother, Michael Barr, West Des Moines, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Sanders.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Bickford Cottage, Trinity Rock Island 6th Floor, and Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their compassionate care of Betty. We greatly appreciate the kindness, support, and empathy shown by the many special people who cared for her.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.