RAPID CITY- Betty Holliday, age 83 of Rapid City passed away peacefully on April 8 th , 2016 at the Hospice House after a lengthy illness with cancer.

She was born to John and Phoebe (Novotny) Kostel in Tabor, SD on July 25 th , 1932, raised in Tyndall, SD. Betty was a very active high school student graduating in 1950 from Tyndall High School. She attended Mount Mary College two years before graduating in 1954 from South Dakota State University with a BS in Home Economics. At SDSU she was first chair saxophone in the band as well as active in many student activities.

Her first job was as a Home Economics Teacher at Lake Andes, SD where she taught three years prior to transferring to Rapid City Central where she taught two years. She met Don Holliday and they were married on December 27 th , 1958. Both were at SDSU one year together, but never met until in Rapid City. Betty became a full time homemaker taking care of their four children: Jane, Beth, Tom and Kay.

She will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family and friends, as well as for the care and attention she gave to those in need. Many years with her compassionate, car giving "Prayer Sisters" from church, they prepared meals at the Corner Stone Mission. Here concern for others always outweighed her concern for herself, and her volunteer work at church and community was a testimony to that.

As a wonderful cook, she was at her best preparing diners while hosting family and many friends.   As a talented seamstress she enjoyed making outfits for the family and in 1968 made all the outfits she and the children wore on Easter Sunday. She loved sharing her time with her husband, family and friends attending all activities where their children were participating: sports, concerts, family skiing as well as other activities. She enjoyed playing bridge many years, later mahjongg with friends, and was emotionally hurt when she could no longer play her favorite games. She made friends readily, loved their company, and treasured their friendship.

After 22 years as a homemaker raising her family, Betty returned to the classroom when she taught another 11 years at North Middle School. Betty and Don retired in 1995 to visit their eight grandchildren. They were fortunate to visit several foreign countries and went on several cruises which they both enjoyed.

In 1999 they built a second home in Sun City Grand, AZ where they lived six months each year for 16 years. Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother!

Survivors include husband of 57 years, Don Holliday, Rapid City; daughter Jane Lockwood and husband Dave, Spearfish, SD, granddaughter Abbie; daughter Beth Ann Woody, Missoula, MT, children Callie and twins Grant and Megan; son Tom Holliday, wife Debbie Mission Viejo, CA, children Tyler, Great Granddaughter Kayden, Caitlin and husband Ryan MacDonald; and daughter Kay Kopperstad and husband Perry, Stavanger, Norway, children Karsten and Tove. Siblings Kathleen Puccinelli and husband Augie, Stockton, CA and brother Jack Kostel, Portland, OR; Brother-in-law Bob and wife June Holliday, Bella Vista, AR. Also, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family is greatly appreciative of the tender care provided by Westhills Village Home Health and The Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House!

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty's name may be sent to Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House, Westhills Village Foundation, the Corner Stone Rescue Mission or charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Christian wake service at 7:00 PM, April 14 th , 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM, April 15 th , 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Brian Lane as Celebrant, Con-Celebrant Father Mark McCormick.

Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.