Lillian Genny Genevieve Rice

Lillian Genevieve Rice, 93, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Meadow Creek Nursing Home in San Angelo, Texas. Genevieve was born on January 4, 1921 to Dave and Lena Mae Chesser in Roswell, NM. Being raised on a ranch with nine siblings, Genny learned to work hard and use her sharp mind to help with the many task of ranch life. After graduating from Roswell High School, Genny attended Eastern New Mexico in Portales, NM. She met Harwood Rice during her college days. They married on January 5, 1941. Genny followed Harwood through World War II as long as she could. After the war she and Harwood moved to Carlsbad, NM setting up a construction and drafting business as they raised their boys. In 1959 she and Harwood moved to Albuquerque, NM and began Harwood Agency, designing and building hundreds of homes. They purchased land, built and managed Riveria de Sandia until 2006 when Mrs. Rice retired.

Genny was active in several clubs and organizations while in Carlsbad and Albuquerque but her favorite was working with the business women in the Altrusa Club. She remained active until her retirement. She was a member of the Montgomery Street Church of Christ. After retirement, Genny moved to San Angelo, Texas in 2007 to be closer to family.

Genevieve is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Harwood Rice, two sons, Harwood Rice and Barron Rice, grandson, Jeremy Rice, and eight of her nine siblings. She is survived by her son, Truman Rice and his wife Joanne of San Angelo, and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Rice of Albuquerque, NM., grandsons, Jason Rice and his wife Carol of Plano, Texas, Brian Rice and his wife Julie of Cedar Park, Texas, Shawn Rice and his wife Sheila of Midland, Texas, granddaughter, Starra Dotson and her husband Eric of Waggoner, Oklahoma, step grandchildren, Craig Kolls and his wife Rachel of Kyle, Texas, Barbie Thomas and her husband Chad of San Angelo, Texas, and Todd Kolls and his wife Christine of San Angelo, Texas, a sister, Mary Ann Sparkman of Roswell, NM., and a sister-in-law, Patsy Chesser of Roswell, NM., 16 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with visitation to follow. Graveside service and burial will be 3:30 Friday, December 26, 2014, at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Meadow Creek Nursing Home and Dr. John Harvey of Shannon Clinic. Family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Texas Boys Ranch or a favorite charity.

Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.