Betty Gile Mead passed away on March 6, 2016 in Rockford, Michigan. She was born on a farm near Oldham, SD to Daniel W. and Ula May (Morgan) Gile on November 14, 1922. Betty Rose grew up in Madison, SD where she graduated from Central High School. She gained her excellent work ethic while working through high school. While employed in Sioux Falls, SD, at a "Rosie the Riveter" job, she met a young soldier just back from the Pacific Theatre and teaching radio at the Army-Air Force base. Betty and Freeland "Fred" Mead were married on March 31, 1945. They lived in Del Norte, CO, Adrian, MN, Vermillion and Meckling, SD. It was in Adrian that she accepted Christ as her Savior.

Betty served as Post Master in Meckling for many years. She and Fred were sponsors for the CYF youth for many years. This ministry helped bring about a generation of men and women who continue to faithfully serve the Lord. After Fred's ordination, Betty served as a dedicated pastor's wife in churches in Scotland, SD, Minot, ND, Dalesburg, Big Springs and Alcester, SD. They retired to Alcester where she lived until 2015 when she moved to Rockford, MI where her son and daughter-in-law live. Betty was known for her gifts of hospitality and friendship.

Those blessed to remember her calm, caring ways are her daughter, Barbara and Ronald Holthe of Logan, IA; her son, Rev. Daniel and Barbara Mead of Rockford, MI; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dan and Jennifer Mead (Logan and Graecyn), Matthew and Tina Mead (Noah, Megan, Lincoln) all from Rockford, MI, and Froi Mead (Leal) of Holland, MI, Nathan and Jennifer Mead of Tucson, AZ, Jonathan and Kelli Holthe (Bria and Emmy) of Muscatine, IA, Serena Holthe and her husband Roscoe Jones, Jr. of Washington, DC and Sarah Jane Holthe of Logan, IA. She is also survived by her sister, Mae and Kenneth Buthe of Sioux Falls; her brothers, Clifford Gile and Ray Gile both of Madison, SD, and a sister-in-law, Donna Gile from Brandon, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2008; brothers, Dene Gile and Merle Gile; sisters, Hazel Studer and Ruth Topping; and sisters-in-law, Marguerite Gile, Betty Gile and Gloria Gile. She will be missed by many relatives and friends.

Funeral services are 10AM on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Alcester Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. The family requests memorials to Alcester Baptist Church.