Berniece C. Richardson, 97, of Owatonna, died Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Homestead Hospice House. 

She was born June 26, 1914 in rural Blooming Prairie the daughter of Bernt and Karin Sophia (Larson) Paulson. Berniece graduated from New Richland High School and attended Normal Training to be a school teacher.  She taught country school in both Waseca and Steele County for 9 years.  She married Paul Richardson on September 18, 1942 in Anoka.  While her husband was in the military she worked for New London City Bank in New London, CT.  After the war, the couple moved to Bixby in 1945.  There they ran a gas station, bus station and post office until retiring in 1976.  The couple later moved to Owatonna in 1989.

She was a very active volunteer throughout her life.  Berniece was named Steele County Citizen of the Year in 2001.  She was a member of First Lutheran Church where she had been very involved over the years.  She taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent, started the pillow cleaning and used a bit shop among other church activities.  Berniece was a life member of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary and a 50 year member of the Eastern Star.

Berniece is survived by daughter, Linda (and Jack) Beaird of Golden Valley; grandchildren, Katherine (and Rob) Rooks of Wellsley, CT, Joe (and Luci) Beaird of New York, NY, Albi Beaird and Bazil "Joey" Beaird all of Golden Valley; 2 great grandchildren, Marlin and Connor and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; grandson, Michael Beaird; 5 brothers; 2 sisters.

Visitation will be at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Charles Leonard officiating. Interment will be in the First Lutheran-Westfield Cemetery, Blooming Prairie.