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.  

Noah and Theodore Holmes - January 9, 2023

Noah and Theodore are the infant sons of Gavin and Rachel Holmes. Rachel wrote the following piece.

“How are the boys doing?” The lady asked unknowingly.

“Well, they’re doing really well. They’re up in Heaven with Jesus” I answered.

The lady froze and by the look on her face you could tell she felt terrible for asking. But the thing is, I was glad she asked. Yes, I teared up when I was answering, but not just because I was sad Noah and Theodore weren’t here on earth with us, but because I was happy. Happy that people know about our two little boys and happy that I get the chance to talk about them. I will never pass up the chance to talk about them even if talking about them brings tears to my eyes.

You see, the thing about tears is they don’t always come from a place of sadness. They can come from a place of many other emotions and when I get the chance to talk about my boys my tears always come from a place of joy and peace with some sadness mixed in.

Joy, from the very first day when Gavin and I found out we were expecting and the inexplainable amount of joy we had because we finally conceived after a year of trying. To the day I first felt them kick, and then seeing Gavin’s face light up when he finally snuck a fast one on the boys and he was able to feel them kick, cause everyone knows that babies are always so active in the womb until dad tries to feel it. There was joy the day they were born, when we finally got to meet the boys who kept us on our toes the entire time they were alive. And I can’t explain the amount of joy there was in the room when Noah opened his little eyes for the first time to the sound of mom and dad’s voice. Or the joy there was when we were able to hold Theo, even when the first time would also be the last.

Peace; peace has a way of sneaking up on you. One moment you’re terrified of a certain outcome and the next your body feels light as a feather with no worldly explanation at all. I emphasize the word worldly because there is a reason for the peace and it’s because God gives it. So many times throughout my pregnancy my mind was going a mile a minute and when I actively sought after God for peace he granted it. I remember the night Noah passed like I am still in the moment. There Gavin and I were, doctors explaining to us Noah had significantly gotten worse and they were telling us that with the significance of Noah’s brain bleed they could not tell us what his quality of life would be. They could not tell us if Noah would ever be able to walk or talk or even feed himself. As they continued to try to stabilize Noah, Gavin and I were left with a decision no parent should ever have to make - do we stop the interventions and let Noah leave us (which felt like we’d be giving up on our boy) or do we never give up our hope and trust in God that we will be able to carry this cross whether the doctors were wrong or not. We never had to make the decision, God made it for us, as we watched Noah continue to decline quickly. And as we held Noah for his final moments here on earth, one of the saddest moments of our lives, I sought after God and I once again felt peace and as Noah took his last breaths the only thing running through my head was, “he’s healed.” Him and Theo were both healed, our prayers had been answered, not in the way we hoped but sometimes what we think should be isn’t how God’s plan is. That’s not to say it doesn’t still hurt but there is peace in the hurt, I promise.

The joy and peace was and still is never ending with those two, I could write pages on it. I’m here to tell you that in the sadness there is still joy, peace, and happiness. Jeremiah 1:5 is written, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” In the eyes of the world, the boys were sick, but in the eyes of Jesus, the boys were complete. So I ask this, never be afraid to ask me about Noah and Theo. Even if talking about them brings tears to my eyes never means I don’t want to talk. You see, I used to be afraid of the tears, now I embrace them. Because tears mean you have something, or in our case, someone to care and love for and that’s the greatest gift of all.

John Lintz March 7, 1947-January 25, 2022

John Ross Lintz passed away on January 25, 2022, due to complications from surgery.

The second child and oldest son of Jack and Elouise Lintz, John was born on March 7, 1947, in Vallejo, California. He was just a toddler when Jack and Elouise moved their young family to South Dakota, where they raised John and his siblings Linda, Tom and Jim on their picture-perfect ranch along Grace Coolidge Creek.

Boyhood along the creek meant fishing, hunting, wild plum and berry picking, and he enjoyed those outdoor pleasures his entire life.  Growing up with a sister, two younger brothers plus his Lintz cousins meant adventure, misadventure, and physical competition, especially on the driveway basketball court. 

John was an exceptional all-around athlete, but he was custom-built for basketball and played competitively – emphasis on the word competitive - for more than 40 years. The future South Dakota Basketball Hall of Famer was a standout Rapid City Cobbler and University of South Dakota Coyote, played in 15 straight state amateur tournaments for the Rapid City Macy’s, and played Senior Olympic ball with the Legends, who won the national five-on-five title in 1997.   

Professionally, John was a builder.  He worked concrete for Lintz Bros. Construction, he built houses, including his own, sold Morton Buildings, and supervised a multitude of large projects for a local contractor until his retirement. In retirement, he found his dream job mowing the Hart Ranch golf course.

Like all good men, John’s true loves were his family and his dearest friends. He married Sheri Oleson and became a father to daughter Jennah.   John and Michelle Poe were married on November 16, 1974, and they welcomed daughters Jordan and Ashley.  John became the penultimate “Girl Dad,” playing the role of mentor, coach and cheerleader in life and in his daughter’s pursuits of music, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf and (reluctantly) soccer. 

John leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of 47 years, Michelle, daughters Jennah Lintz, Jordan Lintz (Russ Colon) and Ashley Lintz (Matt Mickley); sister Linda Lintz; brothers Tom Lintz (Kelley) and Jim Lintz (Brenda); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

His parents Jack and Elouise Lintz and niece Annalee Ventling passed before him and surely welcomed him in Heaven.