At almost 88 years of age, our sweet Mother left her earthly form on the afternoon of April 5, 2024. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Gordon B. Metcalf, her parents, John & Mabel Rice, and 11 brothers & sisters (Fred, Jim, Wilma, Lucy, Della, Warren, William, Harm, Blaine, Theda Mae, & Corabell). She is also preceded in death by her son in law, Steve Riddle.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie & Donna, her brother, Tom Rice, her in-laws, Bobby Edwards & Joann Rice, several nieces & nephews, and her grand dog, Etta James.

Born and raised in Barnardsville, NC, she moved to Asheville, to start a family. She was a hard worker all her life, making a career as a bookkeeper after finishing business school. Faith, Family, & Friends were of utmost importance to her. She was loved and respected by many.

Services will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service in Mars Hill, NC, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Mom's pastor, Rev Ronald Dodson & our dear cousin, Rev Donald Rhyne, will be officiating. Family visitation will be at Noon, with her Memorial Service beginning at lpm. Internment will be at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

Debbie & Donna would like to personally thank Teresa Christenbury for her love & assistance. Special thanks to Dr. Johnson at Memory Care. Thanks to the compassionate staff at Four Seasons Hospice. We also appreciate our little Etta James for bringing Mom a kind of peace & joy that we could not provide.

We are very grateful to all.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneral service.org.