Betty "Jean" Schoniger

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

Service Details

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

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