St. Clair County Obits

LAURA A. RICE

El Dorado Sun
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Laura A. Rice
Laura A. Wilkerson Rice, 68, Appleton City, formerly of Osceola and Humansville, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, In Clinton. Laura was born Sept. 13, 1939, on the H. Roe Bartle Ranch, Osceola, the first of four children of George E. and Margueriette (Brown) Wilkerson.
She was saved and baptized at an early age, at the Baptist Church of Gerster.
She enjoyed family, camping, fishing, playing cards and friends. She lived most of her life within a 50 miles radius of her birth, except for her time in Kansas City. Laura was always very independent, and always hard working, taking care of herself and family. She worked many years as a waitress; her final years of waitressing were at R & S Truck Stop, in Collins. Later, she worked in the nursing home in Appleton City.
On March 21, 2001, Laura was united in marriage to her life-mate, Glen E. Rice. They first lived in Collins and then El Dorado Springs before moving to their home in Appleton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dale Lee Roberts; daughter, Tina Anne (Powelson) Reyes; and son-in-law, David Reyes.
She is survived by her husband, Glen E. Rice, of the home; a niece, Leslie Anne Wilkerson, Benton; two step-sons, Gary Rice and friend, Michelle – Tightwad, Terry Rice – Minden, IA; step-daughter, Glenda and husband, Don Gilland – Lebanon; brother, Everette Bud Wilkerson and companion, Selma L. Martin – Collins; sister-in-law Opal Wilkerson – Collins; brother, Kenneth Wilkerson and wife, Debbie – Flemington; sister, Roberta Brigaer – Fair Play; grandson, Chad Allen Reyes – Kansas City; great-niece, Chelsey Tallman; great-nephew, Trevor Barker; and many other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other family and many friends.
Services were Sunday, April 13, at Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel, in Osceola, with Rev. Bob Fenwick officiating. Music was provided by Chris Heiserman, soloist, accompanied by Gail Ingle. Casketbearers were – Gary Rice, Leslie Wilkerson, Dwayne Rice, Terry Rice, Teresa Ackerman and Mark Ackerman. Honorary Casketbearers were – Chelsey Talburn, Dalen Snyder, Connie Snyder and Kylie Ackerman. Interment was in Harper Cemetery under direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral – Osceola.