Varro Natalie Friend

Varro Natalie Friend, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on August 3, 1929, in Alcester, South Dakota, Varro was a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew her. Varro was the cherished daughter of Harry and Laverne (Keiser) Schnose. She graduated from high school in Canastota, South Dakota in 1947, and her adventurous spirit led her to join the Women in the Air Force (WAF) in 1949. It was during her service at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, that she met her future husband, Dale. Their love story blossomed amidst the challenges of military life, culminating in a beautiful wedding in Bentonville, Arkansas, on April 3, 1950. Varro and Dale shared 65 joyous years together until his passing in 2015. As a military family, they moved 25 times or more around the US and Europe. Dale retired in 1981 and they built their permanent home in Rapid City. Together, they created a legacy of love and family that continues to thrive through their children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Dale, her parents, daughter Valerie, sister-in-law Midori Schnose. Her unconditional love will be forever cherished by her sons, Scott (Judy) Friend and Mike Friend, and her grandchildren: Meghan (Kyle) Francone, Amanda (Steve) Calley, Micah (Kayla) Friend, Talon Friend, and Savanna Friend. Her great-grandchildren, Eli Francone, Ammon Francone, Lettie Francone, Katelyn Calley, Titus Calley, Malachi Calley, Hyrum Scott Calley, and Brielle Friend, will carry on her legacy of kindness and strength. Varro's siblings, Wanda Streit and her husband Vinny of Long Island, New York, and Gene Schnose of Las Vegas, Nevada, will remember her with love, alongside her sister-in-law Bev Ibbot and her husband Al of Florida. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Denise Schnose and Henry Streit, all of whom were touched by her generous spirit and unwavering support. Varro was an avid golfer and made life-long friends who would travel together to tournaments in several states. She was a past President of the Woman's Golf Association of the Elks Club. She taught Mah-jongg and loved a game of bridge. Her & Dale spend winters with friends in South Texas, playing golf. In later years, she enjoyed her home or working in her beautiful backyard. A celebration of Varro's life will be held at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, located at 2700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702. Pastor Deb Grismer of South Canyon Lutheran Church officiating. Her family invites those who knew and loved her to join in honoring her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Varro's memory to Wounded Warriors Project, an organization that was close to her heart. Varro Natalie Friend's legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her. She lived a life marked by love, service, and grace, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.