Betty Rice

As she traveled along the peaks and valleys of her life’s journey, there was no greater treasure in Betty Rice’s life than the family she adored. Her calling in life was to be a wife and mother, and when grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived later they only made her days that much sweeter. One could count on Betty to tell it like it is as she was never one to sugar coat anything, yet her heart was always in the right place. Life was not always easy for her, but she fully embraced both the great joys and the deep sorrows with a gracious strength that is to be admired. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Betty created a lifetime of precious memories shared with her friends and loved ones that will be cherished for generations to come.

During the decade that is often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, Americans were greeted with a nation that was transforming before their very eyes. With cars that were more affordable almost every family owned one, which allowed countless people to go places they had never been. Radio stations were increasing in number as people gathered around them not only for their news of the day, but also to provide their entertainment. Broadway was at an all time peak, jazz music was hot, and dances like the Shimmy and the Charleston were the latest craze. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1924 that brought great joy to one active family from Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on April 3rd. Betty M. was the youngest of four children born to her parents, Claude and Lucretia (Luce) Wetherall, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older half-siblings, her mother’s first three children including Dorothy, Milton, and Vernon, and her three older full siblings, William, Mary, and Beatrice. Her father worked at Kalamazoo Stove Company while her mother focused her attention at home. Betty attended local schools including Kalamazoo Central, and although she didn’t graduate at the time she proudly earned her GED in her forties.

As a young woman Betty married and became a mother to her two wonderful children, Jean and Richard. From the moment she became a mother she was thrilled.

While working at Kalamazoo Paper Box a short time later, Betty was set up on a blind date by a coworker. Her date’s name was Hansell Rice, and there was an immediate attraction between them that neither could deny. With a desire to build a life together Betty and Hansell were married on May 16, 1948. Together they were blessed with two children, Charles and Timothy, who were raised right alongside Betty’s older two children. They moved to Plainwell in 1955, which is where Betty remained for the rest of her life. Throughout their married life she and Hansell had a rich and rewarding marriage. They enjoyed going to their cabin up North where he liked to hunt as often as they could. Later in life they watched their family grow to include nine grandchildren and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. Betty and Hansell also had a special nephew, Claude.

There were many things that enriched Betty’s life through the years. After earning her GED she went on to beauty school. In her free time Betty enjoyed reading, playing cards, and taking care of her flowers. She spent some time in the kitchen and was willing to try new recipes, but cooking wasn’t really ever her strong suit. When it came to music Betty preferred country western, and during her younger years she even played the guitar and the dulcimer. She collected music boxes, too.

Through the life she lived each day Betty Rice taught us that little value is found in the accumulation of wealth or possessions, but that true happiness is found in the relationships we share with those around us. She was known to be a bit strong willed at times, yet her heart was as big as they come. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Betty will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Betty M. Rice, of Plainwell, died on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Betty’s family includes her four children: Jean Conner, of Scotts; Richard (Linda) Ballinger, of Kalamazoo; Charles (Dovie) Rice, of Alamo Twp; Timothy Rice, of Plainwell; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one special nephew, Claude. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Hansell, in 1996. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 11 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10-11AM. Please visit Betty’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Borgess VNA Hospice and Alamo Nursing Home.