Obituary: Betty "Jean" Schoniger

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In memory of

Betty "Jean" Schoniger

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 74

Betty "Jean" Schoniger, age 74, has fought her gallant fight with cancer and now, March 9, 2006, has triumphantly earned her rest with God. She faced terminal illness with the verse and gaiety that she brought to all challenges in life.

Jean was born January 30, 1932, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Helen (Dorothy) West. She attended both grade school and high school in Philip and graduated in 1950. Upon graduation, Jean worked for her family at Dorothy Brothers. It was there that she met the love of her life, Leland E. Schoniger, Jr.

In 1951, on a cold wintry December 6, Lee and Jean were married in Pierre, South Dakota. Although their plans to honeymoon in Minneapolis were foiled due to a raging snowstorm, they spent the next fifty-four years making up for it by traveling to such places as Aruba, Hawaii, Washington, DC, New Orleans for the Mardi Gras, Mexico and Canada. These were only a few of the honeymoons they shared.

Once Michael Lee, Beth Ann, Mary Lynn, and Bruce William arrived, those honeymoons turned into family vacations. Traveling the entire West Coast, Canada, and short trips to the Hills became gifts from the heart and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

In 1966, Jean went to work at the Philip Clinic and made it her career until her retirement in January 1996. Family and friends often joked that she went to work initially to pay for central air for the home that Lee and her father had built. After thirty years, it was determined it was quite a costly system. When Jean wasn’t working or spending time with family, you could find her kicking up her heels on the dance floor with her favorite partner, Lee.

As a member of First Lutheran Church, the Church Council, and WELCA, Jean understood that with the help of God, a group of individuals could accomplish many things. This is only one way she demonstrated her faith and her love for the community where she lived and worked her entire life. She was also involved in the American Legion Auxiliary and past charter member and president of the Haakon County BPW. In addition, she served as a member of Philip Health Services, Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital Association, Kadoka Nursing Home Association, and the Bad River Dance Club. Most recently, she was an active member of the Philip Cancer Support Group and Community Betterment Committee.

For our family, Jean was our garment of love, understanding, and grace. She taught us the power of the "Golden Rule", to be courageous in life, and to be the last one to quit. When she didn’t realize we were watching, we saw how she led with her heart and actions, not words. What more could you ask of a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Although Jean was blessed with many dear friends, Pastor Ann Schlossnagle became one of her most treasured. Always there with words of encouragement, acceptance, and hope, Pastor Ann has been a pillar of strength to our family. She has given us peace in the belief that life has the last word.

Truly blessed and grateful for sharing her life are her husband Lee Schoniger of Philip; sons Michael Schoniger and his wife Janet of Littleton, Colorado, Bruce Schoniger and his wife Ann of Smithfield, Utah; daughters Beth Smith and her husband Mel of Philip, and Mary Ragland and her husband Tracy of Newcastle, Wyoming; a brother Michael West and his wife Marcia of Philip; and a sister Joan Cross and her husband Jerry of Buffalo, Wyoming. Fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren will also greatly miss their Grandma Jean, her personalized cards, homemade cookies and love for playing games.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen West; her sister, Kay West; and her granddaughter, Audra Nicole Smith.

Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Ann Schlossnagle and Pastor Tim Solberg officiating.

Private family interment was at the Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota.

A memorial is established.

Cards and memorials may be directed to Lee Schoniger, P.O. Box 205, Philip, SD 57567

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ann Schlossnagle
Pastor Tim Solberg
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Maureen Palecek – Vocalist
"Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling"
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee"
"If You Could See Me Now"
Congregational Hymn
"How Great Thou Art"
USHERS
Darral Brooks – Denny Kennedy
Jim Nickelson – Jack Hansen
PALLBEARERS
Brock Smith – Colt Fitzgerald
Grant Schoniger – Eric Schoniger
Taylor Ragland – Matthew Schoniger
Andrew Schoniger – Elijah Schoniger
Cade Kjerstad
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

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It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love. Jean fought a gracious fight. And though life was not easy for her she managed to have a smile. What a gift!! Lee, you sold my mom a number of cars when you worked at Dorothy Bros. She trusted you and you always put her at ease. And Beth...you were so kind when my own mom passed away. You had the flower shop at that time. We shared some tears and some laughs. Life truly is a journey. We never know where the journey will lead us but one thing we do know....God is on that journey with us. God be with all of you as you grieve the loss of someone who was so very special to you. It is comforting to know she is in a place free from what her life had become. She and my mom went through so much but through it all they remained strong in their love of family and their faith. How lucky and blessed we were to have them in our lives. God bless! ~ Jerry & Sonia Nemec Midland, SD (3/9/2006)
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and guide you during this time. ~ Craig and Janice Heigh & Family 2500 Lunar Drive, Rapid City, SD (3/9/2006)
Our condolences to the family. What a great lady. She will be missed. ~ Cathy (Schofield) and Matt Thrash Rapid City, SD (3/9/2006)
Please accept out sympathies on the death of Jean. I remember her so well when she worked at the clinic. She had such a nice smile and was always helpful. Be comforted in knowing she is in a wonderful place now and so happy, free of all pain. ~ Morris and Barbarba Jones Midland, SD (3/9/2006)
Mary, Beth and families, God's Blessings on you at this hardest time in your life. Losing a mother is the worst one can go through, but knowing the journey that Jean is going onto is so rewarding. Mom will be up there showing her the way, your Mom always had a smile for everyone, Mom's have that wonderful way. I know Mom and Dad thought the world of your parents. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you all, let the comfort of God warm you and carry you on. God Bless You ~ Lynette Bendigo Kurth, Russ and Girls 1607 N. 7th St., Rapid City, SD 57701 (3/9/2006)
WE were saddened by the news of Jean's death. Thanks to to her sister, Joan Cross for notifying us. Paul remembers Jean as a young girl growing up in Philip with his sisters, and especially Shirley Ratigan Johnson. Our thoughts are with you all at this time as you celebrate her life and mourn her passing.
Paul and Gayl Ratigan ~ Paul and Gayl Ratigan 14918 S. Glen Oak Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045 (3/9/2006)
My sincere sympathy on your loss of a wife, mother, grandmother. What a truly neat lady Jean was! May your memories carry you! God Bless you! ~ Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (3/9/2006)
Beth, I am so very sorry for your Moms passing. I remember her like it was yesterday working at the Philip Clinic, in the old building. She was a very warm hearted woman. How very lucky you were to have her as your Mom. She is now in heaven with God and the hurt is over. She is smiling down on you and your family. Just remember, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Jean truly is a treasure. My prayers are with you, strength you will need. Be strong. ~ Debbie Bryan Wall, SD 57790 (3/9/2006)
What a beautiful woman!!! Jean held my mom's hand when she was the sickest and shared her pain with her when she was sick. She always shared her life's ambitions with my mom and kept her going when she was sick with cancer herself. It hurts the core to see someone like Jean pass away from such a horrible disease. But we have to keep the Lord in our hearts and know she is in a much better place. I'm sure my mom and her are sharing some sort of funny story as I type this. The Heavens have a blessed angel in their midst that's for sure. My thoughts and prayers, Laura Rotzien (Daughter of Janet Waara) ~ Laura Rotzien Rapid City, SD 57703 (3/9/2006)
Lee and family, sorry to hear about Jean, she is in peace and no more pain and suffering and is in a good place. Know that all the good memories you have of her will help you through this time of grieving. Always enjoyed talking to her when we were in Philip at reunions and other times and a few times a few years ago when we would run into you both somewhere here in Rapid. You are all in our prayers. ~ Don and Mary Keyser 3825 Odde Drive, Rapid City, SD 57701 (3/9/2006)
Now she is at peace. Best wishes for you all and may god help you get thru the times ahead. ~ Rae Crowser Casa Grande, AZ (3/9/2006)
You all have our deepest sympathy. Jean always was up beat and had a smile no matter how tough the battle got. Knowing she is in heaven and the battle is over for her, should ease the pain. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Roger, Teresa and Kids ~ Roger & Teresa O'Connell and Kids PO Box 412, Philip, SD 57567 (3/9/2006)
Lee and family--My deepest sympathy to you all. Jean was a good friend and I enjoyed working with her for many years. God be with you all at this time. Elaine ~ Elaine Staben 10 S. Yellowstone #11 Bozeman, MT 59718 (3/9/2006)
Lee and Family - I trust all the great memories you have of Jean will help comfort you at this time. Jean was truly a wonderful lady, always wearing a smile, no matter what the circumstances were. We have fond memories of Jean who touched so many lives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love to all,
Dave & Karen and Family ~ Dave & Karen Webb and Family Rapid City, SD (3/9/2006)
Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Jean. She was truly a brave gal and put up a heck of a fight. You are all in our prayers. ~ Beverly & Cork Jahner 701 Ottilie Dr., Kerrville, Texas (3/9/2006)
Dear Lee & family, So sorry to hear about Jean. You all have our deepest sympathy. She was a very special lady and always enjoyed visiting with you both. Enjoyed working with her at Philip Health Services. Jean had courage and strength that I always admired. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God Bless. Ralph, Cathy & family ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Lot 4, Sturgis, SD (3/9/2006)
Beth and family,
We are so sorry. There are no words to truly express our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Jean was such a wonderful person, so courageous and strong and an inspiration to all. She brought pleasure to everyone who knew her and will be missed by all. I know you have many fond memories that you cherish and they will help you through this. Know as the days go by you will be in our thoughts and prayers. We will talk to you again soon. We love you very much!
With love and sympathy,
Don, Wanda, Alex and Riley ~ Don, Wanda, Alex and Riley Moses Fairmont, NE 68354 (3/9/2006)
Jean was a gracious and kind lady with a wonderful sense of humor and laugh. She never failed to brighten a day with her great smile. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to all her family. May God make your passage through grief short, may His comfort sustain you and may your memories be full of sweetness.
Rocky, Rebecca and family ~ Rebecca & Rocky Williams Philip, SD 57567 (3/9/2006)
Knowing that Jean is with the Lord now should comfort you all. She was such a nice lady. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Heather ~ Heather (Haynes) Schreiber Wall, SD (3/9/2006)
Beth and family:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Know that you and the whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kara Gittings Moriarty ~ Kara Gittings Moriarty Anchorage, AK (3/9/2006)