Evelyn "Babe" Jane Rice

Evelyn “Babe” Jane Rice, 97, of Urbana, formerly of Potomac, passed away at 1:20 a.m. Sunday, October 7, 2018, at Clark-Lindsey Village, in Urbana.

Mrs. Rice was born on August 19, 1921, in Danville, the daughter of Ural Paul and Lela (Campbell) Saunders.  She married Gordon Albert Rice on September 1, 1943, in Eureka, Illinois.  He preceded her in death on February 16, 2004.

She is survived by one daughter- Paula J. Rice of Woodland Hills, California; one son- Dan S. (Lee Ann Davies) Rice of Cornelius, North Carolina; six grandchildren- Christopher G. Rice, Sinead R. Madigan, Shaughnessy D. Rice, Kelly M. Rice, Aloria J. Rucker and Samantha G. Rucker; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son-Stephen G. Rice; sister-Barbara J. Saunders and brother- James E. Saunders.

Mrs. Rice graduated from Potomac High School in 1939.  She later attended Western Illinois University.  Evelyn worked at Goodwine State Bank, in Potomac, for several decades, until her retirement as Vice President in 1983.  She was a member of the Middlefork United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed baking, knitting, reading, traveling and watching sports, especially basketball.  Evelyn was an avid supporter of the Potomac Public Library.  She also cherished spending time with her grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Evelyn “Babe” Jane Rice’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2018, at the Middlefork United Methodist Church, in Potomac, with Pastor George Desmond officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Potomac Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Middlefork United Methodist Church or the Potomac Public Library.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Mrs. Rice’s life.  Memories or photos may be shared with her family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

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