Mary Elaine “Laney” Rice, 83, died at 3:52 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021, at her home in Godfrey.
Born December 30, 1937, in Bunker Hill, she was the daughter of Edward and Lola (Payne) Zarges. She worked as a payroll clerk for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alton. An avid golfer, she made two holes-in-one. She was also proud to be one of the Marching Flag ladies along with her friends who participated in many local parades. On June 17, 1972, she married John Edward “Jack” Rice in Alton. He preceded her in death on November 15, 2010.
Surviving is a daughter, Cindy (Kent) Critchell of Godfrey, a son, Jayson “Jay” (Michelle) Pine of Brenham, TX, three grandchildren, Andrew Duggan, Amanda Schweiker (Rob), and Lydian Pine. Also surviving are two sisters, Betty Bertels of Edwardsville and Ann Zarges of Bunker Hill, and her sister-in-law and best friend, Betty Zarges of Bunker Hill. She is also survived by her step-children, Rebecca (Bill) Frey, and Mary June “Jill” (Gary) Bowker, and step-grandchildren, William Frey Jr. (Tina), Carrie-Margaret Hourigan (Patrick), Gary Bowker Jr. (Amanda), and Joseph Bowker and their children.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Zarges and Charlie Zarges, a sister, Dottie Weiseman, and a step-son, John Edward “Jackie” Rice Jr.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Gent Funeral Home where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Burial will be at Brighton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, or the American Lung Association. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
