Darlene Louise Rice

Darlene Louise Rice, 84, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria. She was born on April 30, 1938 in Peoria, a daughter of Theodore and Mildred (Simmons) Clark. Darlene married Gilbert F. Rice on June 9, 1956 in Clarksville. He preceded her in death on November 5, 2016 in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Clark; sister, Opal Clark; and great-grandson, Jonah Wagers.

Darlene is survived by her two sons, Randy (Karen) Rice of Flower Mound, Texas and Troy (Valerie) Rice of Peoria; six grandchildren, Leah Irvin, Danny (Catie) Irvin, David (Tiffany) Irvin, Laura (Chad) Bloemker, Chelsea (Sean) Wagers, and Troy (Rachel) Rice; 10 great-children and one on the way, Alex Atchison, Stella, Levi, Shaffer, Lilly Jo, Layla, and Lincoln Irvin, Theo Wagers, Matthew Rice, and Caroline Rice; and several nieces and nephews.

Darlene worked as a bus driver for Peoria Public Schools District 150 for 32 years, retiring in 1998.

She was a member of Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, where she was a past member of the Women's Missionary Union, volunteered with the children's ministries (Mission Friends and 3-year old Sunday School), helped found their food pantry, and was active in English as a Second Language classes.

Darlene's funeral service will be at 10:00 am Monday, September 12, 2022 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Her visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am also on Monday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Woodland Baptist Church Food Pantry or to Apostolic Christian Skylines.

Online condolences may be left for Darlene's family at www.davison-fulton.com.