Mary Louise Rice, 85, of Crossett, passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Stonegate Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Portland, AR, on October 5, 1935, to her parents, Lem and Iris Ludene Bishop Collins. She was a 1953 graduate of Drew Central High School, a 1957 graduate of Arkansas A&M College, and in 1975, she earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northeast Louisiana University.
For over thirty years, Mary taught in every elementary school in Crossett. She took many hands, opened many minds, and touched many hearts. She was an instrument of inspiration for many children whom she called “her kids” and was equally generous with her time and wisdom as a mother as she was a teacher. Her caring and devotion to her children was evident with her involvement in their numerous activities and the family vacations that she so carefully planned.
Along with planting seeds of knowledge that would last a lifetime, Mary also enjoyed antiquing at flea markets, quilting, crocheting, and buying dishes. In addition, she was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ sorority and Jarvis Chapel Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her husband of sixty years, Charles Eugene Rice, Sr. a.k.a. Cosmo, a.k.a. Ned of Crossett; one daughter, Kim Bundrick (Robert) of Shreveport, LA, and their children, Stinson (Holly), Stephen, and Kaitlyn; one son, Charley Rice (Kim) of Monroe, LA, and their children, Carley and Alyssa; and one great-grandson, Stinson “Beck” Bundrick.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the numerous caregivers at the assisted living and rehabilitation centers who cared for Ms. Mary. May God bless you for all you have done.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 22, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Bro. Keith Boseman, officiating followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Stinson Bundrick, Stephen Bundrick, Logan Usery, Quint Couey, Leroy Lalumandier, Lee Sullivan, and Roger Nutt.
Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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