Marilyn May Rice

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Brooks Terry Rice, their 20 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Marilyn Olive May (whose acronym was MOM) was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, while her father worked in the South American oil industry. Her childhood was spent in Camden, Arkansas, where she met and befriended the person who would later become her soulmate and love of her life, Brooks Terry Rice. Following her educational pursuits including Hockaday Junior College in Dallas, teaching English in Brazil, and graduating from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Brooks and Marilyn reconnected and married in 1953. Together, they had seven children in five states including Camden, Arkansas; Biloxi, Mississippi; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dallas, Texas; and Palos Verdes, California.

Marilyn was a quiet, guiding force, as well as an adventurer in their family dynamic as they traveled coast to coast raising their family, travelling abroad for family business, and later travelling the globe with friends.

Their family’s return to Arkansas in 1972 was characterized by raising children, although she also assumed leadership roles along the route, serving as Lakeside PTA president and the Arkansas State Board of Education. In addition to education, Marilyn enjoyed gardening and horticulture, serving on the Executive Board for Garvan Woodland Gardens, and president for Grow and Show Garden Club. While residing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, she remained active in garden clubs, book clubs, and was a staunch advocate for the University of Arkansas educational and athletic programming. For nearly half a century, Marilyn has been a member of P.E.O. and the educational pursuits they support.

Marilyn and Brooks Rice’s children include Brooke Dabrowski (Michael), Mari Simmons (Don), Tina Hagberg (John), Paul Rice (Tracy), Lynn King (Edward), Susanna Lukas (Matt), and David Rice (Rebecca).

Marilyn was known as “May May” to her grandchildren including Conner Poor and Scott McClure; Taylor, Patrick, and Neil Simmons; Drew and Bryan Huddleston; Jade Coats, Logan, Tanner, Tatum, and Thea Rice; Carter King, Ellery Shirley, and Clare Tilley; Brooks, Will, Olivia, and Sam Lukas; and Jackson Rice.

Marilyn May Rice spent her life with a quiet, but resounding sense of self as she lovingly encouraged others and a larger sense of community. (She will be greatly missed by all).

A Celebration of Life service for Marilyn May Rice will take place on November 11, 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund-Garland County, P.O. Box 20116, Hot Springs, AR 71903 or Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church Hot Springs.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GrossFuneralHome.com for the Rice family.