Vera Dale Rice

Vera Dale Rice died Friday, April 4, 2008 at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 95. Vera was born on August 17, 1912 in Alexandria, Tennessee to the late Beverly Marcus "Pitt" and Alice Lena (Eaton) Rowland. She was a dedicated teacher throughout her life, beginning her career at the age of 18, in a one-room schoolhouse in Tennessee. Vera went on to receive her Masters Degree. During WWII, she heard the call of her country, and enlisted as one of the first members of the W.A.C. in The United States Army. Following the war, she met her first husband, Eugene Elton "Gene" Clark and, in 1949, they were married in Wyoming. Immediately following their marriage they moved to Holbrook, Arizona where she worked for over 20 years teaching when she retired, at the age of 65. In 1969, her husband, Gene died. She later married Edwin Rice, and after 3 years of marriage he too, passed away in 1980. Since moving to Arizona, Vera has lived in Holbrook, Payson, Phoenix and most recently, Scottsdale. Vera is survived by: 1 daughter, Debbie Mercer (Jim) of Payson; 3 grandchildren: Kenny Stidham (Jennifer) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, David Stidham (Louise) of Gilbert, Arizona, Joy Stidham of Phoenix, Arizona; 4 great-grandchildren: Nolan Stidham, Lauren Stidham, Lane Stidham, Audrey Stidham; 2 sisters: Edith King of Maryville, Tennessee and Ryta McMurray of Clinton, Tennessee. Other than her 2 husbands, Vera was also preceded in death by: an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Clark (who lived for only 8 days); 1 brother, Elmo Rowland; 3 sisters: Nell Owen, Sarah Fuggit and Frances McBride. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M., Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Owens Mortuary, 409 N. 1st Avenue in Holbrook, immediately followed by a short graveside at the Holbrook Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her first husband Gene. The American Legion will provide Military Honors in recognition of her faithful service in the W.A.C. The flag draping her casket will be retired and presented to her daughter Debbie Mercer. This sweet woman, who gave so much to others, will be missed greatly by those who loved her most.