Betty Jane Rice

During her century on earth, Betty lived through 18 presidents, eight popes, five British monarchs, the Great Depression, World War II, the Atomic Age, the Cold War, a presidential assassination and resignation, 9/11, three impeachments, the felony conviction of a former president, a global pandemic, the opening of the Gateway Arch, and celebrated every St. Louis Cardinals World Series Championship.

Betty was born Dec. 17, 1924, the daughter of Monroe and Clara (Pensoneau) Hepp. She attended St. Luke grade school and Academy of Notre Dame High School.

Betty met the love of her life, Donald Joseph Rice, at a dance and they married on June 12, 1948 at St. Mary Parish. Their marriage lasted 70 years. They had three children, Janis Ann (Robert) Fellner, Thomas Kevin and Julie Elizabeth (Gerard) Grimaldi. Don, Janis and Tom preceded her in death.

A lifelong devoted Catholic, Betty was a longtime parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Belleville, Ill., and in its Sodality. She was active in her children’s lives, volunteering in the mothers’ clubs of Queen of Peace and Althoff Catholic High School. Betty shared her family’s love for the University of Notre Dame, from where daughter Julie, grandson Brian, and granddaughter-in-law Tina graduated.

Betty was a life member of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. She was President of Women’s Golf at Clinton Hill Country Club. Betty also served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for many years. Betty supported Don, aiding and accompanying him in his life's milestones, starting with Don becoming a founding partner of Rice, Sullivan & Co. She joined Don in his numerous civic activities, especially Rotary.

Betty enjoyed bowling, bridge and golf and, more so, the companionship of her many friends in these endeavors. While Betty didn’t hit the golf ball far, she always hit it straight. She played bridge regularly until her late 90s.

Betty and Don traveled throughout the United States and the world, visiting more than 40 states and four continents. Betty always looked forward to their winter vacations in Naples, Fla. Betty’s favorite travels were driving trips to Spartanburg, S.C., and Kansas City, MO., to enjoy time with her grandchildren, especially for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These visits included many family board and card games. Nothing made Betty happier than holding one of her young grandchildren in her lap.

We will miss Betty’s smile and impish sense of humor.

In addition to Julie and Gerard, Betty is survived by grandchildren Brian (Tina) Fellner, Kevin (Amanda) Fellner, Caroline (Ian) Riese, MaryKate (Brock) Rohlfs, Matthew Grimaldi and Gabrielle Grimaldi. Betty also is survived by great grandchildren Zoey, Max, and Wyatt Fellner, Ainslie and Kentley Fellner, and Penelope Rohlfs, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family thanks all at Dammert Geriatric Center and Benedictine Living Community-At The Shrine for their loving care for and friendship with Betty. The family also is most grateful for the unwavering care, support, and love provided by Betty’s nephew and his wife, Bob and Kim Parker.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Southern Ilinois, 305 S. Illinois, Belleville, Ill., 62220 or to the donor’s choice.

Visitation: Family and Friends may visit from 10:30 am until 11:10 am on Wednesday, June 26 at the Chapel at Benedictine Living Community-At The Shrine, 726 Community Drive, Belleville, Ill. Funeral Mass will begin after visitation at 11:15 am. Private burial.