According to the nomination letter, Grandmother Betty Tasse is known for her awesome cooking and baking skills.  The grandchildren say, “When a family member gets sick, or is just sick of the winter, Grandma knows the remedy; her chicken noodle soup,” which includes homemade noodles.  She is also known for her famous scotcheroo treats, which she brings to almost every family or church function, often upon request from the grandchildren.

One thing that is really unique about Grandma Tasse is that she cooks chicken dinner for the entire family every Sunday.  According to the grandchildren, “Every Sunday at noon, Grandma will be serving anywhere from five to 25 people, ranging from children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to cousins, neighbors and friends.”  This special menu includes chicken, riced potatoes, gravy, relish and vegetables, typically from her garden, “all homemade with love.”  There is also always dessert such as cake, pies or bars.

Grandma Betty Tasse will not be cooking the usual Sunday family dinner Sept. 7, as she will be leading the annual Granton Fall Festival parade as the 2008 Granton Honored Grandparent. 

Betty Tasse will be leading the annual Granton Fall Festival parade Sunday, Sept. 7.

She was selected as the 2008 Granton Honored grandparent.

(Contributed photo)

She was nominated by her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  This award is sponsored by the Granton FFA Alumni, and Tasse was selected this year from a wide array of entries.

Tasse fits the special characteristics of a typical grandparent.  According to her grandchildren, Betty cooks for them and spoils them in a loving way.  They have many fond memories they have shared, another being the many delicious candies and desserts Grandma makes for the Christmas holiday.

Christmas with Grandma Tasse is always a special treat as the family gathers around the tree, which is decorated with picture frames of all the grandchildren.  They all try to guess who the babies are.  Not only is her tree full of family pictures, but “her bedroom wall contains every grade school picture and special-event photo of her entire family,” all adding to the memories.

Not all of the family members live close to Granton, so when those who live further away come, “Grandma pulls out all of the stops.”  The cooking begins again, this time it is the “amazing homemade dumplings and pork ribs,” served with or without sauerkraut.

The grandchildren remember some simple pleasures as a child with Grandma at their side.  They tell of going pussy-willow and cattail hunting in the ditches around the house.  They remember mixing different flavors of soda pop in the kitchen while the adults played sheepshead cards around the dining room table. Grandma always let them use her fancy wine glasses in the cabinet.

They remember baseball in the yard, getting wagon rides and playing outside, trying to get the semi-trucks to honk as they would go past.  They also treasure the shopping trips to the St. Vincent’s DePaul Thrift Store for clothes, college supplies and even Frisbees for the dogs.  The grandchildren say they “love Grandma’s instinct for a value and passion for giving, especially when it is something from her heart.”

Grandma Betty has a passion for her lawn and garden.  She has fresh flowers on the table all summer long and the fresh vegetables to eat are delicious.  When traveling past her place you may enjoy the many different flower gardens and her perfectly groomed lawn.  She spends hours a day outside working and loves it.

Betty, and husband Cyril, raised six children.  Times have not always been easy, Cyril passed away in 2001 and she lost one granddaughter in 1985, but Betty has served as a role model and inspiration for her family, even in those tough times.  She is a member of Our Lady of Peace Church and her faith is evident in her daily living.  The grandchildren summed it up best when they said, “Our Grandma is a most loving and gracious person, but what makes her so special is the amount of respect and passion she receives from her entire family.  Everyone feels special and tries to reciprocate that feeling when they are in her presence.”

Web page by James W. Sternitzky PhD, September 26, 2009.

Return to Grant Township Community Web Page

Return to Grant Township Home Page