Betty Rice

Betty Ann Rice was born on October 19, 1932 in Peever, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Guiles and Leila Fonder. Betty was baptized on December 11, 1932 and confirmed in 1946 in Browns Valley. She received her elementary education through the 8th grade in Easter Township Country School and in 1983 proudly accomplished her G.E.D. in Granite Falls. Betty and Benjamin Lee Rice were married at St. Peter's Church in Sisseton, South Dakota on January 22, 1963. Their union was blessed with two children. In addition to raising her family, Betty worked for the Tekakwitha Hospital in Sisseton, along with Lee owned and managed a pool hall for a period of 13 years, and worked for the American Legion for 9 years. The family moved to Montevideo in 1977 at which time Betty cared for the elderly for many years, worked one summer at the Senior Community Center, worked as a hair setter and in the sewing room at Luther Haven Nursing Home and volunteered her time in many other areas. She has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1978. Betty was known to be a hard worker and did not ask for much in return. Lee died May 9, 1980. Betty married George Sommerfeld October 16, 1986 at St. Joseph Church in Webster, South Dakota. George passed away May 28, 2002. After recent surgery and failing health, Betty died at her home in Montevideo on Wednesday, March 27th at the age of 80 years. She is survived by her children: Rose Fonder, Paul Rice and Dean (Karla Jo) Rice; sisters: Belvia (Myron) Stiener, Barbara Janisch, and Bernita (William) Jennen; nieces and nephews; step-children and step-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husbands Benjamin Lee Rice and George Sommerfeld, siblings: Beatrice, Bernice, Bethel, Beverly, Bonnie, Bernanditte, Floyd and Franz.