Betty Kneip, 90, a long-time resident of Brookings and Sioux Falls, died quietly surrounded by her children on Sunday, April 22, 2018.

Betty Bell Rebecca Long, the youngest of six children, was born Jan. 1, 1928, to William E. and Sophia R. (Simonson) Long in Sioux Falls.  She graduated from Washington High School in 1941 and attended South Dakota State University where she met the love of her life, James Francis Kneip. 

On Nov. 13, 1948, Jim and Betty were united in marriage at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls.  Following their marriage, the couple settled in Arlington, raised their children in Brookings and retired in Palm Springs, California, and Sioux Falls.  They also lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Anchorage, Alaska, and Columbus, Georgia, while Jim served in the Army.  

Her husband, Jim, preceded her in death on March 17, 1996, and her son Stephen Kneip on April 8, 2011. 

Betty and Jim loved to travel overseas, visit relatives and friends as well as travel with their children…they ventured to Singapore, Hong Kong, Peru, Morocco, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, England and to the Kneip homeland of Luxemburg.  

Betty loved to entertain and hosted many very large family gatherings.  She welcomed anyone and everyone into her home.  There was always a meal and a bed for hitchhikers, nuns, priest, relatives, friends and stray college kids all in need that Jim would find along his way.  Her warm personality made everyone feel welcome.  

She had great friends and they loved having fun together…ladies day golf at the country club, bingo at the Elks Club, bowling team competitions and entertaining at her home.  Everyone would comment on her good sense of humor.

Betty’s kitchen table was the heart of her home…her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews knew it was a place to laugh, to share their happiness and a safe place to solve problems and share their sadness.   

Her gift to everyone around her… she did not judge, she only gave them unconditional love.  And she appreciated so much the love she received in return.  

 Her example was imprinted on her children… to have a good heart, to reach out to others in need, to judge others with kindness. 

Her husband, Jim, preceded her in death on March 17, 1996. and her son Stephen Kneip on April 8, 2011.

Betty loved and cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She told them over and over, “I love you more than anything under God’s Green Earth!” 

She was grateful for having shared her life with her children:  Stephen (Carol) Kneip of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles (Judy) Kneip of Sioux Falls, Deborah (Kevin) McDermott of Nashville, Tennessee, David (Sara) Kneip of Brookings and Greg Kneip, Sioux Falls ….with 13 grandchildren:  Heather Lickenbrock (Brad), Heidi Litjen (Todd), Christine Bills (Scott), Elizabeth Mulligan (Andy), Matthew Kneip (Ann), Rebecca Houck (Ryan), Kevin McDermott II (Lauren), Conor McDermott, Jamie Maher (Tim), Jill Meyer (Jason), Jenny Kneip, Daniel Kneip, Abigail Kneip…with 18 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Pam Kneip; two sisters, Fern Reilly and Donna Wheeldon and three brothers, Dale Long, Vernon (Bud) Long and John Long.

 Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 27, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3601 East Dudley Lane, followed by a reception.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery following the funeral and reception.   Visitation with family will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at Miller Funeral Home, 7400 South Minnesota Avenue.