Mary Rice

Born June 29, 1930 in Sikeston Mo. to the late Charles L. and Katherine Smith Blanton Jr. She was a Member of The First United Methodist Church in Sikeston Mo.

On September 4, 1954, she married Bernard C. Rice, Sr. in Sikeston Missouri, who preceded her in death on May 11, 2014.

She graduated from Sikeston High School in 1948 where she served as an officer of the Red Peppers club. She attended Central Methodist College for two years and graduated from the University of Missouri school of Journalism in 1953. At Mizzou, she was a member of Theta Sigma Nu National Journalism Fraternity for women and Delta Delta Delta social sorority.

In her home community of Sikeston, Genie wrote the Looking Back column for the Daily Standard. She was a volunteer at the Missouri Delta Medical Center and was both volunteer and board member at the Sikeston Area Humane Society. She taught Sunday school at the First United Methodist Church, she was a member of the PEO chapter JU, and was a member of many bridge clubs.

Survivors include: one son and two daughters-in-law, Bernard C. “Cliff” (Patty) Rice Jr. of Independence Mo. and Monique Rice of Sikeston Mo; three grandchildren, Kathrine (Andy) Newbold of Warson Woods, Mo., Abigail and Madeleine Rice of Sikeston, Mo.; one brother and sister-in-law, Allen (Patsy) Blanton of Sikeston, Mo.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one son, Stephen Rice and one brother Charles L. Blanton III.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Sikeston Convalescent Center and Crowne Hospice for their care and dedication.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 11am until time of Funeral service at 1pm at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston Mo., Rev. Jennifer Moxley, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

First United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 682

Sikeston Mo. 63801

Crown Hospice

2858 Professional Court

Cape Girardeau Mo. 63703

Sikeston Area Humane Society

1900 Compress Rd

Sikeston Mo. 63801

Online condolences may be sent to: www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, Sikeston, MO.