Wanda Darlene (Clark) Rice, 85, passed away at 1:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.
She was born on October 19, 1935 at home in Greenfield and was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Shepard) Clark.
Wanda grew up in Greenfield and graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1953 from Greenfield High School.
Shortly after graduation, she married J. Adrian Rice on June 20, 1953 in Carrollton. Wanda and Adrian raised their family in Jerseyville and shared in 37 years of marriage, prior to his passing on November 18, 1990.
Growing up as part of a large family, Wanda learned early on the value of hard work and dedication to family. She lovingly raised her children, and began working as a Housekeeper at Principia College, dedicating 33 years of service prior to her retirement in 2002.
Wanda enjoyed reading, crocheting, embroidering and made many quilts for her family throughout the years. She was most content spending time outdoors, whether it was gardening, watching and feeding the birds or mushroom hunting.
Surviving are a daughter and son in-law, Bonnie and Jim Markham of Jerseyville; two sons daughters in-law, Dennis and Jan Rice of Jacksonville and Ricky and Kim Rice of Jerseyville; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; as well as a sister, Georgena Bruce of Indiana.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by six sisters, Frances Mefford, Evelyn Mann, Joyce Beach, Barbara 'Bo' Shaw, Anna 'Sissy' Hammon and her twin sister, Wyoma Henson.
Private services will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Friends and family are invited to join the family for a graveside ceremony at approximately 4 p.m., Friday at Borlin Cemetery in rural Carrollton.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to Riverbend Humane Society.
