Sidney Gail Halvorson

Sidney Gail Rice Halvorson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sidney Gail Rice Halvorson, age 83, a resident of Modesto, California. She passed from this earth and into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Her Life and Legacy

Sidney was born in Amarillo, Texas, and grew up in Southern California. She attended Orange Street Elementary School in Lomita, Lompoc Elementary School in Lompoc, and continued her education at junior high and high school in Lompoc. She later attended Pepperdine University.

She was a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and endless love. A devoted wife and amazing mother of six, she lived her life with complete selflessness—always putting her family and others first. To those who knew her best, she was both Mother Teresa and June Cleaver rolled into one: compassionate, nurturing, gentle, and full of grace.

She was married to her beloved husband, Kent Halvorson, for 56 years, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. From an early age, Sidney showed an incredible work ethic and sense of responsibility, beginning her first job at just ten years old babysitting for neighbors. As a teenager, she worked at a furniture store and a local radio station before going on to serve as an administrative assistant for several organizations, including the Davis Police Department. She and Kent worked side by side in their chiropractic practice for many years, and she later served as a house manager with Sierra Vista for 25 years—offering care, guidance, and stability to countless children in need.

Her faith was at the heart of everything she did. A longtime member of Modesto Covenant Church, she also attended Calvary Chapel of Modesto in her later years and faithfully taught Sunday School for 25 years, sharing God’s love and truth with young hearts. She loved to read—especially her Bible—and found peace and strength in Scripture. Through every season of life, she clung to her favorite reminders:

“This too shall pass.”

“All you can do is the best you can and leave the rest to God.”

She was creative and resourceful, an excellent cook, talented seamstress, and gifted crafter. Yet perhaps her greatest gift was her joyful spirit. Even in times of trial and pain, she kept her sense of humor and looked on the bright side, trusting fully that God was in control.

She was the backbone of her family—her comforting presence brought peace, her laughter brought joy, and her faith inspired everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. She was a proud grandmother to nine and great-grandmother to ten, each of whom brought her immense joy and love.

She is survived by her beloved husband Kent Halvorson; daughters Jacquelyn Bridges, Britt Meyer (Greg), and Erin Halvorson; sons Gavin Halvorson (Tonya) and Joey Halvorson; brother Michael Rice (Vickee); and sister Cheryl Close (Walt). She was preceded in death by her father Lubbock Rice, mother Helen Rice, and daughter Jessica Brewster.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on through all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

— Matthew 25:21