Betsy Ann Rice
February 24, 1941 – June 14, 2026
A Celebration of Life will be on July 19, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Fetzer Center @ WMU 2251 Business Ct. Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Memorial Contributions may be made to Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood of Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Betsy Ann Rice age 85 of Schoolcraft passed away Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2026. Betsy was born in Schoolcraft, MI, on February 24, 1941, the daughter of Harry C. and Margaret (Aldrich) Rice. On September 13, 1986, she married Barry Allen who survives her. Betsy was one of the first women journeyman electricians in the State of Michigan. She was active in the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party. Betsy liked sports and was a die-hard Detroit Tiger fan. She also enjoyed playing soccer and softball. She made friends everywhere she went and will be missed by all who knew her. Besides her husband, Betsy is survived by her children, William “Bill” (Cyndi) Bouma, Cathy (Thomas) Lantis, David (Lauri) Bouma, Craig (Stephanie) Bouma, Michelle (Emilio Marty) Colon; grandchildren, Travis (Jaci) Lantis, Caitlin Bouma, Jacob Lantis, Violet Colon, Lyla Colon, Maximo Colon; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Betsy was preceded in death her parents; brothers, Harry J. “Butch” Rice and Roger Rice.
Betsy never missed an opportunity to enrich the lives of those around her. Rest in peace!
You leave a big hole AND you leave an example for all of us to follow in how to make a difference in this world! I am grateful I had a chance to know you.
A wonderful woman who did so much for her community, May she rest in peace. Barry, know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Many stories can be shared from picket lines with Betsy. She would always have a comment that got us going. Equality had a special place in her heart that she truly believed everyone deserved. She will be missed. Condolences to her family and especially Barry as you will miss her deeply and think of her often.