Betty M. Rain, 94, died at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Riverside Nursing Home. Born May 9, 1926 in St. Louis, MO, she was the daughter of Ralph and Wilma (Benz) Haycraft. Mrs. Rain lived her early life in Calhoun County with her grandparents Charles and Amanda Benz. She was a member of the former Elm Street Presbyterian Church and College Avenue Presbyterian Church. She was currently a member of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church in Wood River. During WWII Betty worked in the main office for Western Cartridge. She later taught and played music for special ed students for the Alton School District for many years. She loved to travel especially to Florida and Hilton Head. On December 27, 1946 she married John 'Jack' Rain Sr. in Alton. Jack and his brother Bill owned and operated the Rain & Rain grocery store in Alton. Jack preceded her in death on January 7, 2014. Surviving are two sons, John Rain Jr. (Holly) of Godfrey and Daniel C. Rain of Godfrey, two grandchildren, John Clifford 'Cliff' Rain III and Rachel (Nick) Catanzaro, and two great grandchildren, Benjamin and Noah Catanzaro. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Kathie Rain. Graveside services will be private at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Pastor Daniel Ervin will officiate. Memorials may be made to the LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church, 2550 Rock Hill Road, Wood River, IL 62095. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
