Mary Yvonne Rice

Mary Yvonne Rice, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at Lancaster General Hospital on Saturday, March 19th at 12:30 pm. Born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 6th, 1924, “Vonnie” entered this world with a zest for life and a passion for people. Vonnie graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism and as a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Her work history was as diverse as her interests, ranging from modeling to advertising and from lecturing in nutrition to being trained for international service with the CIA. On July 20th, 1951 Vonnie married her beloved “Jack”. They were sweethearts for 57 years, sharing their love for family, friends, travel, and most of all, their values and beliefs. Vonnie’s hobbies included swimming, tennis, golf, reading and shopping. Yet her greatest interest was in getting to know others. She had a history of volunteering for several philanthropies, in addition to serving in her church as a Stephen’s Minister. Even when limited in mobility, Vonnie considered it her mission to touch the lives of those who entered her room. She had a smile that was contagious and heart that loved to inspire others. Vonnie will be deeply missed by many, but especially by her family. She was preceded in death by her dear parents, Edgar and Alyce Hoffman; and by her husband Jack Earl Rice. She is survived by her children, John Rice (Kirsten) of Eden Prairie, MN, Laurie Wallin (Jeffrey) of Washington, DC, Alyson Baade (Tim) of Atlanta, GA, and Marianne Gault (John)of Conestoga, PA, by her grandchildren: Kira, Joel, Jon, Nathan, Justin, Emily, Anna, Jimmy, Tyler, great-grandchildren Abigail and Bennett. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary Yvonne’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W Orange Street (at the corner of Orange & Pine Sts),Lancaster with the Rev. Charles H. Cummings officiating. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Tuesday from Noon until the time of Service. Burial will take place at the Willow Street United Church of Christ Cemetery, Peach Bottom Rd., Willow Street, PA.

Mary Yvonne Rice

March 20, 2011