Elizabeth “Betty” M. Lais

Elizabeth “Betty” M. Lais, age 89 of Rochester (formerly of Plainview) passed away at her home on May 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth Marie Ryba was born October 11, 1936, in Chicago, IL the daughter of Stanley and Helen (Yudis) Ryba. She attended elementary school in Western Springs, IL and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1954. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in nursing from College of St. Teresa of Winona and acquired a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a nursing instructor for the College of St. Teresa and Briar Cliff College, retiring after 40 years in 1998. She was united in marriage to Alfred “Al” Lais on September 5, 1959, in Chicago. Al and Betty raised three sons together. Betty was a member of St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Plainview and a proud member of Signa Theta Tau as a college girl.
She will be remembered for her volunteer activities like a hospice volunteer and as reader to elementary school children. She greatly enjoyed fishing and spent 38 years fishing in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Betty is survived by her husband Al of Rochester, three sons Michael (Cheryl) of St. Louis Park, MN, Brian (Natalie) of Maple Grove, MN and James (Kimberly) of Portland, OR; 2 grandchildren Rachel (Michael) and Emily (Brian). She is further survived by one brother Stanley Ryba of Perryville, MO.
The Funeral Mass for Betty will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Plainview with Father Tojy Jose officiating. The burial will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Memorials in Betty’s name are greatly appreciated and should be directed to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com