Ruth Dale Rice

Ruth Dale Rice, 89, passed away in Lago Vista, TX on July 12, 2013. She was born in Caruthersville, MO, June 16, 1924 to Ira Byrd and Lena Rivers Rice Powell. They preceded her in death.

Following her earlier years in Caruthersville, Ruth spent most of the 1940's in rural Doniphan, Mo. In the 1950's, she and her husband, Floyd Holland Rice, moved to San Diego, CA, where she stayed until his death in 2008. She briefly moved to Fenton, MO, before moving to Lago Vista, TX in 2011 to join her sister Rose Anna Nicks.

Ruth's life is a testimony of her belief in education. She earned her RN degree at St. Louis University's School of Nursing, her Bachelor's degree in Education at San Diego State College and subsequently accepted a teaching position with the San Diego Public Schools, where she settled with her husband and their son Gregory. Later she earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education and obtained her Life Teaching Certificate. Ruth retired from teaching in June 1990.

Mrs. Rice was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Methodist church. Always devoted to their families, Ruth and Floyd annually drove across the country to Southeast Missouri to spend time with their sibling, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Indeed, her goodness will be missed by all because she made everyone feel special.

Survivors include a sister; Rose Anna Nicks and a brother; Robert E. Powell.

She was also preceded in death by her son; Gregory Floyd Rice, sisters; Kathryn Stephens Hills, Mary Blanch Powell, Van Harvey Powell, and Albert Colice Powell, brothers; Roy Byrd Powell, Howard Lee Powell, and L.B. Powell.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff, MO with the burial of ashes following the service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Chaplin Timothy Powell officiating.