Emmeline Elizabeth Rice

As a young girl on the farm owned by her aunt and uncle she cooked for the farm crews, cleaned, and provided child care. As a young adult she worked at a small café in Rogue River, OR as a cook. In 1941, she married John E. Rice in Reno, NV. Emmeline and John moved to Sacramento in 1952 where she went to work for McClellan Air Force Base in the instrument department. Emmeline earned her high school equivalent degree and later advanced to a clerical position where she worked until 1980. During their retirement years Emmeline and her husband John were emergency foster parents. Many of the parents would come back and bring their children to visit them.

All those who knew “Bea,” a result of her childhood nickname “Beetles,” knew that she loved and cherished the Lord and the church, her family, friends, children and animals. Over the years she had many cats and dogs and loved them all. She also fed the birds and put food out for stray cats or dogs and in one case for a pair of mallard ducks that arrived each spring. Sometimes she even caught sight of a raccoon couple who soon brought their young to feed on the offerings. There was also a skunk or opossum dropping by occasionally to check things out and have a bite of food too! All were welcome! When Gramma wasn’t caring for children or animals, she could be found square dancing with John or attending Grace Baptist Church, where she was a member for 44 years.

Emmeline was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Rice who passed away July 6, 2008. She is survived by her two sons John E. Rice and Darrol L. Rice, and daughter in laws Sheila and Katie, her eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and twelve great great grandchildren. As Bea became a grandmother, she was most often known as “Gramma” or “Gramma Rice.” Her memory will be cherished by all those whose lives she touched.