Betty Darlene Riess

Betty Darlene Riess

Betty Darlene Riess went to be with her Lord on October 2, 2025. She was born on April 1, 1937, the daughter of Earl and Mary Cathern (Smith) Moore. Betty was raised in the Spring Valley/Wykoff area by her mother and stepfather, Arnold Groth.

She worked as a cosmetologist in Rochester before and for several years after her marriage to Lawrence Riess on September 8, 1956. Together they farmed north of Rochester until 1961, when they purchased a farm and moved to Chatfield. Years later, they rented out the farm and started Country Plastercrafts, Inc., a business that sold wholesale plastercrafts throughout a four-state area. After the plastercraft business, they operated a food concessions trailer attending many fairs and community events.

Betty was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, where she served as Chairman of the Funeral Committee. She also belonged to the Lady Aid. She delivered Meals on Wheels for 15 years and enjoyed being part of a card club for more than 40 years.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter Laureen (Tim) McFarlin of Chatfield; her son Lendon Riess of Chatfield; her grandchildren Michael (Kim) McFarlin, Justin McFarlin, Corinne (Joe) LaPlante, Seth, Grace and Isaac Riess; and her great-grandchildren Jaxon, Alyssa, Samantha, and Zachary. She is also survived by her sister Nadine (Jon) Westphal; her brother Nevin(Debbie) Groth; and sisters-in-law Linda Groth and Harriet Riess.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence, her parents, brothers Leonard, Neal, and Nordeen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Chatfield. 

The Reverend Peter J. Haugen will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Betty's family will greet visitors one hour prior to services at the church.