Barbara Elaine Rice

1935 - 2021

BARBARA ELAINE RICE Barbara Elaine Rice was born in Princeton, California, to Romaine and Luella Southam on August 8, 1935. On April 10, 2021, she went home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever. Barbara felt fortunate to be blessed with such wonderful, caring parents who taught their children to work hard, and to follow the Golden Rule. She also was blessed with an older brother, Tom, older sister, Sharren, and a younger brother, Jerry. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed her education at the Princeton Elementary and High schools. In 1953, she began her higher education at Chico State College where she graduated with a Certificate of Completion in a Brief Vocational Secretarial Course in 1955. She continued by pursuing her Elementary Teaching Credential which she received in 1959. Her first teaching assignment was at Buckeye Elementary School in Redding. She then taught three years at the Sycamore Elementary School in Willows. From there, she returned to her home town of Princeton and taught at the elementary school level for the next thirty-two years, until her retirement in June of 1999. Barbara was inducted into the Glenn County Educators Hall of Fame in May of 1994. Barbara loved her career of working with young children and believed it was just what God had made her to be a Teacher. On June 15, 1957, Barbara married Lloyd A. Rice, of Adin, California. God blessed them with three wonderful children; Shaun, Daniel and Rhonda. In 1963, the young family moved to Princeton where they farmed. In April 2005, Barbara sold the family farm and moved to Chico, California, where she lived until her death. Barbara attended Grace Brethren Church for several years where she enjoyed attending and leading Bible studies and playing the trumpet in the church orchestra. Barbara was preceded in death by Lloyd, her husband of 43 years, in October 2000; and her son Daniel in January 2020. She is survived by her son Shaun (wife Linda); daughter Rhonda; and daughter-in-law Barbara Jean. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley, Kate, Nick, Andrew, Mahlon and Heather; and by ten great-grandchildren. A private family viewing and service will be held. To view obituary online and leave condolences for the family please go to NewtonBracewell.com