Bernice Rolfson died on April 20, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. She was 91 years of age.
Bernice was born in Baker, Montana on June 29, 1933, to Maime Leotta Varner and Ralph Everett Sleeth. She graduated from Baker High School in 1951 and married Richard Dale (Dick) Rolfson on July 2, 1951. She lived in Baker and moved to Broadus, Montana, in 1957. Bernice then worked for CalGas, a propane company. She was the bookkeeper and took those skills with her to the insurance agency in 1971. The Rolfson Agency was a fixture on the town square and Bernice was the office manager and chief financial officer. She was an active community member volunteering her time and resources to the Congregational Church, the Christmas stroll, local 4-H, and other community activities.
They sold the business in 1990 and traveled throughout the United States until they made Cocopah RV and Golf Resort in Yuma, Arizona their home in 1994. While summering in Montana, they ran the clubhouse at Rolling Hills Golf Course, cooking, golfing and visiting with friends. Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren playing golf, card and board games.
Bernice worked in the office at Cocopah for nearly 20 years. When she “retired” from the office, she continued to volunteer in activities for the park.
In 2002, Bernice met Larry Wright and had a loving relationship for nearly nine years. They took many trips together including a 30-day cruise to the South Pacific. They would summer in San Diego and continued to winter at Cocopah. In 2014, Bernice was then full-time at Cocopah RV and Golf Resort in Yuma.
Bernice is survived by three children, Mary Faye LaFaver, Tom Rolfson (wife, Lori), and Ray Rolfson (wife, Teresa). She was the proud grandmother of Sean LaFaver (wife, Molly), AJ Rolfson (husband, Derrek Prellwitz), Jeremy LaFaver (wife, Stephanie), Tanner Tinsley (wife, Jill), Coy Tinsley (wife, Christina), and Kameron Rolfson (wife, Amber), and the great-grandmother of Luke, Macyn and Quinn LaFaver, Isabelle and Caroline LaFaver, Emerald, Riley and Wyatt Tinsley, Eric and Ian Tinsley, Daylen Rolfson and Lane Espy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Cocopah Church at:
Christ’s Fellowship Ministries
c/o Tommy Webb
3606 SW 43rd Street
Topeka, KS 66610
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Valli Fulton says
My deepest sympathy, Mary Faye, Tom, Raymond and families! This breaks my heart! Bernice was the best neighbor – I have many fond memories of of her! Cherish your memories!
Tom & Judy Collins says
So sorry to hear about Bernice. She was a grand lady.
Robbin Stoddard says
Mary Faye, Tom, Raymond, and all of Bernice’s family, please accept my sincerest condolences. May her memory be a blessing to you just as her life blessed us all.
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Losing a parent is never easy.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
We are so saddened to learn of our beautiful friends’ passing.
Such a class act, and in recent years we kept up through FB.
Our prayers to all of you, her beautiful family and dear friends, may Jesus bring you all peace and comfort ❤️.
MARILYN MADER says
Raymond and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing our Moms is so tough and I will be praying for you as you adjust to life without her. Hang on to the memories, laughs, things she said and taught you and good times you had.
Wayne Jr. and Serena Wetherelt says
Mary Faye, Tom, Raymond and Family My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Our family life involved your parents in many aspects. Our Dad’s and your Mom worked together many years ago. We as children were involved through bowling, golfing and friendship. I cherish the many memories I have of Bernice and Dick. May your memories give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. She was a treasure. Love and prayers to your families.
Meredith Beck Blankenship Tuttle says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bernice. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mary Smith-Roig says
I’m so sorry for the loss of this special lady. So many beautiful memories of the family. My prayers sent out to the family