Deanna Rice

Deanna (Swenson) Rice, a native Montanan, beloved Wife, Mother, and Friend, passed away peacefully on October 18,2018 in her Odenton home surrounded by her family. She was born to Frederick Norman and Lillian Hazel (Hane) Swenson on July 2, 1937 in Great Falls, Montana. After graduating from Choteau High School, Choteau, MT in 1955 and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, with honors in 1959, she spent six months serving as an International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) student in Switzerland. Upon returning to the United States, she toured the State of Montana sharing her experiences with elementary and high school students. Deanna was a 4-H member for over 12 years and during that time mastered cooking, sewing and other related family skills. She won several 4-H trips to the Montana State 4-H Congress in Bozeman, MT. Her skills also sent her to Seattle, WA, Minneapolis, MN, and Washington, DC. On June 15, 1960 she married then Second Lieutenant Bert L. Rice. They began their lifelong journey with many shared experiences and assignmentsto numerous Army Posts throughout the United States. During Bert's two tours in Viet Nam, Deanna taught Home Economics at Choteau High School. They were blessed with two sons: Stephen Wayne and Kevin Leon. She was the primary parent during Bert's overseas assignments to Vietnam and Iran. She served as Cub Scout Den Mother and was supportive of two Boy Scout Troops in California and Maryland. On more than one occasion, when the fathers were engaged in their military duties, Deanna went on scouting camp outs and scheduled tours to various cities and parks. When her husband served as President of various homeowner associations, Deanna was always there to support his efforts. She volunteered routinely at the Post Thrift Shop. She actively participated in and was President of the Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) at the Historic Main Post Chapel, Fort George G. Meade, MD. In addition, she and Bert served as parent advisors to the Youth of the Chapel program for several years where she assisted with the religious and social programs. The youth looked forward to and appreciated Deanna's food and refreshments, as well as her thoughtful insight. Deanna was the consummate homemaker, Mother and friend. Her selflessness, patience, compassion, and devotion to family were readily apparent and appreciated by all who knew her. Her contribution to community, the Fort Meade Garrison, and the Nation were recognized by Nancy Reagan in 1982 when she and the family were presented with the Great American Family Award. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bert L. Rice of Odenton, MD; sons: Stephen Wayne (Terri) of Castle Rock, CO and Kevin Leon of Fort Collins, CO; four grandchildren: Daniel, Caitlin, Meghan and Sara; cousins Bud Hane, MT; Kent Hane, TX; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Hardesty Funeral Home P.A. 851 Annapolis Road Gambrills, MD 21054 A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Thursday October 25,2018 in the Nichols Bethel United Methodist Church 1239 Murray Road Odenton ,MD 21113 with burial at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to support youth leadership training programs of the Fort George G. Meade Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, P.O. Box 833, Fort Meade, MD 20755-0833; or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122; or to a favorite charity of choice.