Betty A. Rignell age 87 of Rochester, formerly of Tracy, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester.  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy.  Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a CCW Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.  Burial is in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tracy.  Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Betty A. (Carey) Rignell was born May 29, 1926 in Salem, South Dakota to F. Vincent and Ethel (Larson) Carey.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith.  Betty attended elementary school at a country school near Greenland, SD.   She moved with her family to Tracy, MN in 1938, where she graduated from Tracy High School in 1944.  On February 9, 1948 she married Paul Rignell at the St. Mary’s parsonage in Tracy.  Betty and Paul owned the hardware store, and this allowed them to travel to many destinations around the United States for conventions.  Betty’s faith was very important to her and she was proud of it.  Betty had the power of prayer and her prayers were always answered.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy where she was active in the CCW.  Betty’s favorite hobby was shopping, and she loved “bling,” or costume jewelry.  Betty loved playing cards, and over the years, she belonged to many Bridge clubs.   She was proud of her Irish heritage, enjoyed knitting, and was a great cook.  She was a very welcoming person who made everyone feel like family, and she loved to entertain her friends.  Family was a very important part of Betty’s life and she loved celebrating holidays and spending time with them.

Betty is survived by her children Paulette (Wayne) Wojahn of Rochester, Tom (Cindi) Rignell of Tracy, and Tim (Kristine) Rignell of La Crescent; 9 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings: Vivian Fick of Woodbury and Dave (Margo) Carey of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law Natalie Carey of Anchorage, AK; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, brother Tom, and brother-in-law John Fick.