Romona Ida (Gruber) Halpenny
May 13, 1930 – January 11, 2023
Romona Ida (Gruber) Halpenny, born May 13, 1930, in Fontanelle, IA, died January 11, 2023, in Omaha, NE, aged 92. Romona was the second of five daughters of Oscar and Julia (Feick) Gruber. She lettered in basketball, played clarinet in the school band, and graduated from Fontanelle High School as the valedictorian of the class of 1947. She completed secretarial studies in Omaha and worked for the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. Romona was married to William “Bill” Halpenny from 1957 until his death in 2010.
Romona was a gardener, cook and baker, book reader, and power walker in the Deer Ridge neighborhood for many years. She and Bill enjoyed lifelong friendships and many holidays and trips to the Ozarks with Eleanor and Ernie Archer and Lois and Bill Bruning. She took a keen interest in her children’s activities, friends, and travels throughout their lives.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Rowena Johnson and Shirley Mangels; relatives: Russ Johnson, Bill Mooneyham, Bill Overmyer, Bob McVay, Bob and Betty Halpenny, Jack and Betty Halpenny, Dick Halpenny, Christopher Killip, Nancy Winkelmann, Jenny Mangels, and Pat McVay; and many friends.
She is survived by four children: Mary Halpenny-Killip of Cambridge, MA, Thomas Halpenny of Omaha, James Halpenny of Denver, CO, and Barbara Halpenny of Somerville, MA; two grandchildren, Joshua Halpenny-Nguyen of New York City, and Lucy Halpenny of Somerville, MA; two sisters, Marilyn Overmyer and Marlene McVay; sister-in-law, Bonnie Halpenny; brother-in-law, Wayne Mangels; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family thanks the staff of Brookestone Village for superb and compassionate care.
VISITATION: Tuesday, January 17th, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, January 18th at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St, with burial and lunch to follow.
The family requests any donations be directed to the Nebraska Humane Society, St. Robert Bellarmine parish, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Sign Guestbook