Maxine Rice, 79, passed away on Friday July 18, 2014 at Asheville Health Care Center.
A native of Buncombe County, Mrs. Rice was the daughter of the late Howard and Anna Kate Ray Gardner. She was also preceded in death by her son, Randy Rice and infant daughter, Melanie Rice.
Mrs. Rice is survived by her husband, Leon Rice; sister, Brenda Buckner and husband, Charles of Punta Gorda, Florida; brother, Tony Gardner and wife, Kay of Asheville; daughter-in-law, Nadine Burleson; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Rice was a loving wife and mother. She helped her husband and son manage their business, Rice's Wrecker Service. She loved children and spent several years teaching children in Junior Church and was a faithful member of Meadowbrook Free Will Baptist Church. Maxine was a wonderful neighbor and friend to many, and was well known for baking delicious cakes.
A funeral service for Mrs. Rice will be held on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00 am at Meadowbrook Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Randy Stone and Rev. Frank Cantrell officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 12:00 pm at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome and appreciated, or donations can be made to Meadowbrook Free Will Baptist Church, 204 Blue Ridge Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.