Alta Eloise Rice, age 87, of Gallipolis, and a former resident of Hamden, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019, at her home. She was born Sept. 14, 1931 in Jackson County, Ohio, to the late Eura McWhorter and Mary Jane George McWhorter. Eloise was a loving homemaker, wife and mother, who enjoyed watching T.V. and reading her Bible. She was a member of the former Hamden Nazarene Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for over 50 years, along with serving as church treasurer and director of the church Christmas play for many years.
Eloise is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, David Eugene and Cindy Rice of Irvine, Kentucky and Ronald Allen and Tamye Rice of Gallipolis; daughter-in-law, Mary Rice of Hamden; grandchildren, Scott, Stephanie, Shannon, Stacey, Ryan, Sarah and Cassie Ann; great-grandchildren, Chrissy, Kendra, Jimmy, Hannah, J.T., Haley, Kylie, Josie, Samantha, Joella, Emmie, Griffin and Steffin; sister, Betty Rice of Columbus; along with several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward, Rice, Sr. in 2009; son, James Edward Rice, Jr. in 2008; brothers, Johnny, Elmer and Rich McWhorter; and sister, Grace Rousseau.
Funeral service will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston with Pastor Don Fairchild officiating. Burial will follow in the Hamden Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com