Judith Arledge Craddock Rice

Judith Arledge Craddock Rice passed away August 13, 2013. Judy was born July 28, 1919, to Dan and Judith Arledge Craddock in Crockett, Texas. She grew up in Austin, graduated from University of Texas, and attended law school until her senior year, when World War II broke out, and she left to marry Ben H. Rice, III, the love of her life. After the war, Judy and Ben returned to Texas, living in Austin and Houston, where they raised their five children, Ann, Elizabeth, Ben, Dan, and James, of whom she was always proud.

When her children were young, Judy was an active member of Bellaire Presbyterian Church and volunteered in many organizations such as the chaplain’s office at Hermann Hospital, Neighborhood Corner, and Meals on Wheels at Heights Presbyterian Church. During her long history with the church, she served as an Elder and Deacon. She was a member and a past-president of the Linkwood Ladies’ Club. In the last few years, Judy was involved in the merger of Bellaire Presbyterian Church with Braeburn Presbyterian Church, now ChristChurch Presbyterian Church. There, she greeted visitors and enjoyed numerous social activities.

Judy’s surviving family includes her children and their spouses Ann and Bob Zeigler, George Greanias, Ben Rice, Jr., Dan and Melinda Rice, and James and Janet Rice; two sisters, Claire Younkin and Sue McKinney; fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Judy hopes her survivors will carry on her life’s goal of being kind to people and making them laugh. She called the shots as to how she wanted to live her life until the end, and she left with the dignity that she bestowed on all of us. The family would like to thank her longtime caretaker, Dorothy Harris, her weekend companion, Brenda Cunningham, and Dr. Robert Jackson, who always looked after her best interests.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2013, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., at ChristChurch Presbyterian Church, 5001 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401. Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013 at Calvary Cemetery in Marlin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Christian Community Service Center (CCSC), 3434 Branard Street, Houston, Texas 77027, or Bellaire Public Library, 5111 Jessamine, Bellaire, Texas 77401.