Ann Elizabeth Rice

Ann Elizabeth Smith Rice, 97, of Woodfin, was called home to be with her Lord Tuesday, May 25, 2004, in Emerald Ridge Nursing Facility. Mrs. Rice was born in Azalea (Oteen), Buncombe County and was a long time resident of Blalock Avenue in Oakley. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Rice in 1949 and two daughters-in-law, Agnes Rice and Josie Rice. She is survived by five sons, Robert Rice and his wife Jackie of Asheville, Charles Rice and his wife JoAnn of Sacramento, CA, John R. Rice and his wife Marjorie of San Diego, CA, James Rice of Woodfin and Ralph David Rice of Pacific Beach, CA; one daughter JoAnn McFalls and her husband Don of Jacksonville, FL; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-two great- grandchildren, four great-great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Benton officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don McFalls, Victor McFalls, Stanley McFalls, Jared McFalls, Robin Rice and Ryan Teague. Her family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of James Rice.