Betty Higgins

Betty Louise (Rhine) Higgins was born May 5, 1926 in Morton, MN, the daughter of Robert and Sophie (Macheledt) Rhine. Betty was an only child and she moved with her parents to Minneapolis as a child. She attended West High School in Minneapolis where she met Harriet (von Schenk) Anderson who became her closest friend. They graduated with the Class of 1944. They were each other?s Maid of Honor and even shared the same wedding dress. Betty and Harriet always stayed in touch and remained lifelong friends. Betty was united in marriage on November 11, 1944 to Clifford Higgins. Clifford served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at several different locations. At each posting Betty moved to the new location to be with Clifford. The couple finally settled in South Minneapolis where they began a family. They were blessed with three children: Greg, Lindy and Holly. Betty worked as a waitress at Diamond Lake Lanes in South Minneapolis where she developed many close friendships that lasted the rest of her life. Betty volunteered for several duties through her local PTA. Betty was a very independent person; she continued to drive her car when she should probably have asked for a ride instead. When she made up her mind about what she wanted, she usually got it. Betty was very kind and generous. Her family meant the world to her and she always wanted to do whatever she could for them. In 1981 Betty moved to Alexandria, MN to be closer to her daughter, Lindy. She worked in Alexandria at the Intrigue Bridal Store where she assisted young women in their wedding preparations. In 1986 she moved back to Minneapolis. Betty was blessed with an inheritance from her aunt, Peg Baker, which included a home in Venice, FL. From 1986 to 1991 Betty spent her winters in Florida. In 1991 Betty made Venice her permanent residence. Over the years, she had neighbors who became very close friends that also watched over her and cared for her deeply. Betty loved spending time near the Gulf of Mexico. She enjoyed collecting shells and shark?s teeth. Betty watched many sunsets on the Gulf and loved watching the dolphins come close to shore to play and teach their young how to catch fish. In Minnesota, she loved to go fishing and listen to the loons calling over the water. Whether it was at the Gulf or lakes in Minnesota, Betty loved relaxing by the water. Betty also enjoyed doing cross-stitch, reading and solving word puzzles. She also loved listening to all types of music. On Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Betty died at the age of eighty-five years. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Robert Plasch. Betty is survived by her three children: Greg Higgins of Champlin, Lindy Dawald and husband, Terry, of Alexandria and Holly Larson and husband, Chad, of Minneapolis; and two grandchildren: Cyrese Kragenbring and husband, Mark, and Jacob Erickson. She had five great grandchildren: Kirby Kragenbring, Maggie Kragenbring, Sophia Kragenbring, Marissa Bratsch and Thomias Erickson. A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend John Peshek officiated. Kelly Smith and Virginia Hegre provided music. Honorary pallbearers included all of Betty?s great grandchildren. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.