In Memoriam : LaVerna Rice

LaVerna K. Rice - age: 81
(March 21, 1930 to January 23, 2012 )
Resident of Visalia, California

Visitation Information:
A Memorial Service will be held in her honor and remembrance of her life at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 120 North Hall Street, Visalia CA 93291 on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow in Rivera Hall at the church.

Obituary:
LaVerna was born on March 21, 1930 in Exeter, CA. She left this life on January 23, 2012, one day before her 64th Wedding Anniversary. She was the youngest of eight children. Most of her life she worked outside the home to help support her family. “What can I do to help” was a phrase she would commonly say to help family and friends. She owned a business with her Sister Ella Belle or “Annie” as the family nicknamed her. The two operated a restaurant in Pixley called “Three Brothers Drive-In”. Ironically they kept the name instead of calling it “Two Sisters”. They were known for the best hamburger in the area.
While her children and grandchildren were growing up she became an integral part of their lives. She spent lots of time planning trips to interesting places for them to go. She never ever turned down a chance to baby sit. This was very special to her. Being outdoors instead of in the house was what she preferred. She loved yard work, gardening and her flowers. She and husband Dave were active for lots of years with different clubs with the Masonic Lodge, Tulare County Tin Lizzie’s Club and the Shriner organizations. She particularly enjoyed the friendships with the wives of all these clubs. Her mountain community neighbors is Wilsonia were very special to her. She loved visiting, playing games and participating in all the events. They became some of her most cherished friends. Her Exeter and Texas family was first and foremost in her thoughts all of the time. She made sure she stayed in touch with them.
LaVerna is survived by her husband, Hiram David Rice; son Michael and partner Vyvian, son Mitchell and wife Mary, four grandchildren Jill, Peter, Matthew and Casey, as well as her sisters Lela Rigdon and Pearl Gillespie.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gerges for all of his help and compassion and the staff at Kaweah Delta Medical Center for all their care. Also special thanks to Fr. Richard James of St. Paul’s Anglican Church for his continued prayers and guidance during these difficult times.
In lieu of flowers the family would like all donations to be made to Shriner’s Hospitals of Northern Californian, 2425 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95817 in memory of LaVerna Rice.