Berniece Mae Sandvall, age 96, passed away August 1 at Alcester Care Center, Alcester, SD. Berniece was born May 15, 1919 to Vernie and Ellen (Olson) Larson. The eldest of six children, Berniece grew up on the family farm, attended Finn School and graduated from Alcester High School. After graduation, she worked for area people as a hired girl doing child care, cooking and cleaning. On December 30, 1939, she married Wilton (Bill) Sandvall at Alcester Baptist Church where both were lifelong members. They farmed near Alcester until retirement, at which time they moved to Alcester. Berniece and Bill enjoyed bowling, golfing and traveling. Berniece was active at Alcester Baptist Church as a choir member, Sunday school teacher and Ladies Aid. She also enjoyed various crafts, baking, gardening and knitting. After Bill's death in 2001, Berniece remained in the home they had built together until 2008 when she moved into an apartment at Alcester Village. Berniece lived her entire life within 1 mile of Alcester. Among those who survive are her two sons, Curtis (Elaine) Sandvall of Sioux Falls, SD, and Douglas Sandvall of Sedona, AZ; grand children and great-grandchildren: Keith (Tamee) Sandvall and daughter Jada of Sioux Falls, SD; Brian (Rebecca) Sandvall and their children Jacob and Katelyn of DeBary, FL, Stephanie Sandvall-Young and children Quinn and Gessica of Gilbert, AZ, Eric (Julia) Sandvall and daughter Brook of Bend, OR, sister Clarice Skancke as well as many nieces and nephews. Berniece was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, and four brothers, Donald (Bud), Dale, Bruce and Wendell Larson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM,Friday, August 7 at Alcester Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 5PM to 7PM. Memorials may be directed to Alcester Baptist Church.