Barbara A. Grilli

Barbara Grilli, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege, Nebraska surrounded by family.

Barb was born in Boulder, Colorado on January 26, 1944 to Mary Alice and Elmer Charles(Buck) Harris. She married her soul mate, Bill Grilli, on October 11, 1968 and to this union two sons were born, Wade and Clay. She was a secretary at Storage Tech for many years along with helping out the family painting business before retiring and eventually moving to Beaver City, Nebraska in 2000.

She lived a life of warmth, creativity, and unshakable love for those around her. A master of the sewing machine, her stitches told stories of care, patience, and beauty. Whether she was crafting quilts or hemming clothes for her grandchildren, each thread was sewn with affection and purpose.

She had a sweet tooth for life and an even sweeter spot for powdered donuts, pepsi, and chocolate malts. Her laughter was infectious, her presence calming, and her hugs unforgettable.

Barbara was an artist in every sense of the word. She found joy and expression through drawing and painting, capturing life’s quiet moments with a delicate hand and a vivid imagination. When she wasn’t creating, she was exploring—traveling whenever she could, finding joy in the journey as much as the destination.

Music played a constant tune in her life. She loved the twang of old country records and could often be heard singing along to Alan Jackson or swaying gently to the smooth voice of Elvis Presley. His songs, much like her spirit, were timeless.

But Barbara’s greatest joy—her proudest role—was being a grandmother. Her love for her grandkids was boundless. She cherished every milestone, every drawing proudly shown to her, every laugh shared, every hug goodbye. Her family was the center of her universe, and she made each person feel deeply valued, heard, and loved.

Barb leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering love. Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the immeasurable impact she had on all of us.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sherri Franssen-Breinig. Her husband, Bill Grilli, and her sons, Wade & Clay Grilli.

She is survived by her daughter(in law) Katie Grilli, and grandchildren Jessica Capuchio(Thomas), Matthew Reidy(Kailey), Shannon Parkison, Jayce Grilli(Ronie), Cristian Grilli(Haley), Sophia Grilli(Zeke) Dominic Comstock(Kylie), Nate Grilli, and Alex Grilli, Great grandchildren Silis, Kailynn, Junes, and Collin Capuchio, Scarlett and Elias Reidy, Grace Parkison, Acelyn Grilli, Penelope Light, Walker Comstock and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, each carrying a piece of her spirit forward.

“Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfilled…” — Elvis Presley

Memorial services will be held Friday August 1, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Garey Funeral Chapel in Arapahoe, Nebraska with inurnment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Beaver City, Nebraska. There is no viewing or Visitation. Garey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.