Hilda Ann Rice

Ms. Hilda Lewis Rice, 71, of Mount Airy, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.

She was born July 16, 1953, in Surry County to Delmer Clinton Lewis and the late Nellie Irene Sawyers Lewis.

Ms. Rice was a hard worker throughout her life and took pride in providing for her children as a single mother for many years. She later shared her life with Ray Tesh, who was a steady presence for much of her family life. In her later years, she was married to Bill Rice, with whom she shared new adventures.

She stayed true to her career passion in payroll, valuing precision, structure, and dependability. She believed in hard work and financial responsibility, showing up each day and taking care of what needed to be done.

She found joy in exploring local festivities and community events and had a genuine love for animals, especially cats. She was a strong, independent woman who lived life to its fullest. She leaves behind memories that will be held by those who knew her, including family and friends near and far.

Surviving are her father, Delmer Clinton Lewis of Mount Airy, NC; her daughter and son-in-law, Stacey Plummer and Trent Plummer of Pittsboro,NC; her grandchildren, Sydney Hamlin and her husband Adam Hamlin of Raleigh, NC; and Genia Davis and her husband Hayden Davis of Bear Creek, NC; her great-grandchildren, Morgan, Piper, Sydney, Marshall, Ellie, and River; her sister, Carolyn Tilley of Mount Airy, NC; and her brother Dale Lewis and wife Mandy Lewis of Lowgap, NC.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Lewis; her son, Josh Easter; her husband, Bill Rice; her former husband, Ray Tesh; her brother, Dwight Lewis, and her step-mother, Juanita Lewis.

Ms. Rice was cremated, and no services were planned.