Patty Fortney November 22,1953 - September 18, 2024

Special Remarks from Ercell and Family:

I personally feel so lost and sad that she has gone on ahead. I know that she is in a better place but it is still so darn hard being without her. Knowing I will meet up with her again in heaven is my only saving grace!  Not ever hearing her sing will leave an emptiness in me that I will feel forever.  Her singing always made me tear up. I just couldn't believe that I could be married to someone that could sing like that.  I just never got used to it.  I hope I can stop crying long enough to thank you all for being there for her and me. I know she loved you all! - Ercell

Nat Aarsby June 6, 1936 - February 15, 2024

Joan Nathalee Morrill Aarsby, “Nat” was born on June 6, 1936, (She always liked to say 6/6/36) in Santa Paula, California.  The oldest of 2 redheaded daughters of J. Nathan and Katharine C. (Casey) Morrill. She and her sister Marilyn spend all their growing up years in the family homes in Santa Paula, during the WWII years. She told many stories of life during those war years.

Walt Simons September 29, 1930 - January 27, 2024

 Walter Allen Simons was born September 29, 1930, to Sam and Ada (Burditt) Simons in Sturgis, SD.  Walt spent his childhood years on their homestead in Marcus.  He then attended Sturgis Brown High School.  After graduation, he earned his teachers certificate at Black Hills State Teachers College. Walt taught school for a short time, before joining the US Air Force during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he married Barbara Newbill on August 27th, 1955, in Alburquerque, New Mexico.

Robert Welch March 9, 1929 - January 19, 2024

Bob was a devoted follower of Christ and served in leadership positions at the churches he attended throughout his life. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon moving to Massachusetts, he enjoyed a long career at General Electric in Lynn, MA as a Senior Engineer.  In retirement, he and his beloved wife Barbara loved to travel across the country in their trailer, even as far as Alaska.

Hayden Porter September 4, 1929 - December 21, 2023

Hayden was born on September 4, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Bert H. and Edith A. Porter. He was raised on the homestead in Montana with his sister, Margie, and brother, Harvey. His mother was his teacher for grades first through eighth in one room schools, Pine Butte, and Waddle Creek. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1946. He married Nancy Alexander, August 24, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Ray Lewis September 16, 1948 - March 11, 2022

Ray was born on September 16, 1948, to William and Lue Lewis in Gary, Indiana. He grew up in English Lake, Indiana and graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School. After graduation he went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. This included time spent overseas in Vietnam, where he was tasked with going and "blending in". Ray was also stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which kindled a love for South Dakota that continued through several moves around the country and the world.

William Engwall September 27, 1930 - August 24, 2023

William served two years in the military. In his early years, he was an avid bowler . He worked most of his years as a sheet-metal worker. William was a great cook, and gardener. William was a loving and generous patriarch. He spent much of his later life coming to his children’s home and helping them. Some words that come to mind when you think of William are kind, dependable, knowledgeable, and caring. He will be missed dearly. 

Wayne Sletten March 7, 1933 - August 21, 2023

Wayne was born March 7, 1933 in Mobridge, SD to Philip and Anna (Swenson) Sletten.  As a young boy, he caught a train to Faith to spend the summer at his grandparent’s ranch on Sulphur Creek, beginning a love of the western South Dakota prairie.  Wayne’s family settled in Winthrop MN where he graduated as valedictorian from high school in 1950.  Upon a suggestion from his mother, Wayne pursued a degree in veterinary medicine because the career would combine his love of the outdoors with a chance to move to the Faith area.  Wayne graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956.

Arvin Tilstra October 23, 1930 - August 7, 2023

Arvin Vernon Tilstra was born on October 23, 1930, to Cornie and Fannie (Hommes) Tilstra on a farm southwest of Rock Rapids, Iowa. He attended country school in Lyon County, Iowa finishing in Rock County, Minnesota. He then moved to a farm northwest of Steen, Minnesota. Arvin loved the farm and farm animals. He always had a favorite dog that would help him with chores around the farm. After grade school, Arvin stayed home and helped his father farm until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. He and Cena Mae made their profession of faith in February of 1952. While in the service, Arvin attended leadership school in Japan and was in Korea when the war ended. His rank was sergeant when he was honorably discharged in December of 1953.

Betty Allison January 11, 1941 - March 1, 2023

Betty Coral Allison (Grover), 82, went home to be with her Savior on March 1, 2023.


Born in Rapid City, SD, on January 11, 1941, Betty was the 3rd child of William and Ethel Grover with 2 brothers ahead of her and 1 younger sister. She grew up in Rockerville, SD and attended grade school there; graduating from Rapid City High School. Betty married Dennis Allison on July 3, 1958 at the Little White Church in Hill City, SD. In April of 1959, they had their firstborn son, Ted, followed by son, Steve, in July, 1961.


Betty worked for years in insurance and helped Denny on the ranch. They were very active with Rainbow Bible Ranch; Mark IV Ministry; church; and family in South Dakota. Denny and Betty moved to northwestern Montana in 1988 with son, Ted, and family. Later, they moved and served at Camp Li-Wa in Fairbanks, Alaska with Denny as a wrangler and Betty working in the office and as a cook. They came to Central Montana to live next door to Ted and family in 1996 and were a trusted and constant presence in their lives. One of Betty’s greatest joys was to visit Steve, Angie and her grandchildren in Tennessee. Another highlight was when Steve came to visit on his parent’s 60th wedding anniversary. She served at her church in many capacities such as teaching children, nursery, cooking and evangelism events; and sometimes helped cook at Camp Lewtana.

Betty was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Always serving tirelessly, she cared for others above herself. She was an excellent cook and homemaker and sewed beautiful things for her family. Betty’s deep love for Jesus and her family was evident in all she did. Everyone was welcome in her home and she loved having company. Faithful to the end, she prayed for her family and friends; and helped others learn about the Lord through personal mentoring and Bible studies.

She left behind her husband of almost 65 years, Dennis Allison; son Ted (Terri) Allison (Forest Grove, MT); son Steve (Angie) Allison, (Church Hill, Tennessee); grandchildren, Rebekah Allison (Forest Grove, MT), Rachael (Brian) Shelburn (Aurora, Colorado); grandchildren Timothy Allison; Robert (Christina) Allison; Jamee Allison; and Jessica Allison; great-granddaughter, Leona (all in Tennessee); numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and family; and a grandson and great grandson she held in her heart and prayers.

She is preceded in death by her parents: William and Ethel Grover; brothers, Budwin and Norman Grover; sister, Norma Lynde; grand-daughter Codi Allison; and other dearly loved family.
Rainbow Bible Ranch has been blessed to receive designated contributions in honor of the life and memory of Betty. You may do so by mailing to 14676 Lonetree Rd. Sturgis, SD 57785 or do so online.


Franklin Simpson September 9, 1929-January 27, 2023

Franklin Owen Simpson, 93, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Friday, January 27, 2023.  He was grateful to be able to spend his final years in his house, surrounded by his family while staying active and productive.  Franklin could often be found mowing, raking, and gardening up to his final weeks.  Always a fan of sunshine, fresh air and beautiful views, Franklin’s common winter refrain was, “I’m planning for spring.”

He was born on September 9, 1929, in Ipswich, S.D. to Reverend John Franklin and Lovenah Simpson.  Franklin’s mother was born in a sod house on a homestead in the plains of South Dakota; Franklin would carry that pioneering spirit with him his entire life.

Franklin attended Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) where he met, as he would say, “A girl from Alabama.” Doris Burns was the love of Franklins’ life, and he married her on May 7, 1949. The happy couple would embark on a lifetime of adventures that would center around family, business and, above all else, “Going about and doing good.”

In 1965, Franklin and Doris would establish Simpson’s Printing. Their dedication to business would inspire a family love of entrepreneurship and decades of new ventures and growth. Real estate was always a favorite pursuit of Franklin — developing the 200 acres of the Fountain Springs Business Park, among other projects. He was also a founding partner of the local NBC affiliate, NewsCenter 1.

Franklin and Doris were a pioneering force in founding what would eventually become Fountain Springs Church.  As Franklin further developed real estate and grew his businesses, he sought out opportunities to do good.

Franklin further served his community by representing his home in the S.D. Legislature — first elected to the S.D. House of Representatives in 1974 and then to the S.D. Senate in 1976. During Franklin’s tenure, he served on the Appropriations Committee.  He had a reputation in politics of being able to negotiate with an ideal combination of tact and toughness.

Franklin’s bride, Doris, went home to the Lord after over 50 remarkable years of marriage. He would later marry Carol Fitzgerald in 2003, and they spent many happy years together.

The aspect of Franklin’s life that would always make him beam with joy was his family. “I’m a rich man,” he would say whenever he saw any of his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.  Franklin is survived by his five sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Kathy, Paul and Terri, Mark and Kathy, Jim and Jayne, and Dave and Val.  Along with his five boys, Franklin was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.