Thelma Lee Rice

Thelma Lee (Crutchfield) Rice of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, February 3, 2016 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Thelma Lee was born October 18, 1924 in Winfield, Arkansas to Breamer Crutchfield and Bernice Frances (McCain) Crutchfield. Thelma was 91 years, 3 months and 16 days old.

Thelma was a faithful Christian, homemaker and long time member of Waldron First Baptist Church. She was involved in many church activities. During an 18 year term, Thelma worked as a clerk for the State of Arkansas Legislative Session as her husband was serving as State Representative for the people of his district. Together Thelma worked with Bud and they founded Rice Furniture in Waldron, Arkansas. Thelma and Bud enjoyed working on numerous mission construction projects with Arkansas Campers on Mission.

Thelma leaves behind to cherish her memory, two daughters: Jalene DeVorak and husband Jerry of DesArc, Arkansas, Fran Chisum and husband G.L. of St. Francisville, Louisiana and two sons: Larry Charles Rice and wife Barbara and Senator Terry Rice and wife JoAnn all of Waldron, Arkansas and one sister in law Joyce Matthew of Tennessee. Mom Mom will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Deya DeVorak, Dilena Ewing and husband Steve, Marcus DeVorak, Julie Bles and husband Scott, Amy Spillman and husband Brian, Driston Rice and wife Meagan, Jeremy Rice and wife Kim, Paul Rice and wife Sarah as well as 19 great grandchildren. Thelma will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including an extended family of nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and dear loved ones.

Thelma is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, W.R. "Bud" Rice, her parents, Breamer and Bernice Crutchfield, one sister, Opal Cussons and one grandson Jonathan Chisum.

Thelma's life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Waldron First Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ken Overturf and Bro. Joe Haydon Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Thelma's pallbearers will be Mark DeVorak, Driston Rice, Jeremy Rice, Paul Rice, Brian Spillman, Steve Ewing and Scot Bles. Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Rice, Garris Rice, Harleigh Rice, Emmett Rice, Jace Ewing, Maylee Ewing, Kyrston Rice, Garron Rice, Dylan Rice, Lauren Reap, Madison Reap, Mason Spillman, Allison Spillman, Luke DeVorak, Natalie DeVorak, Brock DeVorak, Emma Grace Bles, Sam Bles, Silas Bles, and Eric Charles Vongphakdy.

Thelma's visitation will be Friday, February 5, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas where Thelma's family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
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