On April 12, 2017, Shirley Rice Roberts, 80, of Mars Hill walked out of this world into the Loving Arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, there to live in peace forever more. She fought a long hard battle with cancer and now she is the winner! Shirley was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fred and Myrtle Rice, brothers, Grady and Donald Rice and by a loving granddaughter Ivy. Shirley dearly loved her family, her church and politics. Shirley started her political career as President of the Madison County Democratic Women's Club. She then moved to Director of Region 8 Democratic Women of North Carolina, covering 17 WNC Counties. In 2009, she was selected as the 11th District Mountain Democrat of the Year. In 2011, she was appointed as Region and District Co-Coordinator for DWNC. In 2014, she was selected as the Democrat Woman of the year for the State DWNC. Along the way, she received other DWNC awards all of which she cherished and worked very hard for. She leaves behind a loving husband Jack of 61 years. A daughter Rachal (Mike) of Minocqua, WI, and a son, Joe (Sandy) of Canandaigua, NY. She is also survived by two beautiful granddaughters, a handsome grandson, two great grandsons and one great granddaughter that she only saw one time. A funeral service will be held 11:00AM Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Woodland Hills Church. Reverend Bob Belford and Rev. Doctor Joseph Roberts will officiate. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00PM Friday, April 21 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to John F. Keever Solace Center, P.O. Box 5779, Asheville, NC 28813. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org