Barbara Ann Rice

Barbara Ann Rice of Gilbert, Arizona (formerly of Belleville, IL and Saline County, IL) peacefully left this world to be with her Lord on May 8, 2025 joining her family and friends who passed before her.

Barbara was born on December 1, 1934 in Carrier Mills, IL. She married Glen Howard Rice in May 1956. He was the love of her life. Glen preceded her in death in 2015. Her parents, Noble and Gladys (Milburn) Brandon, and her sisters, Deloris Jean Brandon (infant sister), and Betty Jo Troutman also preceded her in death.

Barbara is survived by her children: Jill Kathrine Rice Crago (Ralph) of Gilbert, AZ, and Glen Christopher Rice (Kim) of Clarkdale, AZ; grandchildren, Corey Bennett (Chandry), Claire Crago, William Crago, Vincent Crago, Emily Crago, Libbi Crago and Shaelani Crago, and two great grandchildren (Arlo Bennett, Phoebe Bennett). She is also survived by her brother, Michael Brandon (Mary Ann) and their children, Joshua Brandon (Gabriella), and Chloe Brandon, as well as her sister-in-law, Jane Stafford and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara considered raising her children to be her greatest achievement in life. She was a proud mother, grandmother and aunt, and loved all her family without condition. Barbara lived an active and joy-filled life in communities in Illinois, including Carrier Mills, Harrisburg, Normal, and Belleville. She held various administrative support positions in Belleville, including at Southwestern Illinois Community College, and in the Belleville Public Schools.

Barbara was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, Illinois. She moved to Arizona permanently in 2012, residing in both the Cottonwood and Gilbert communities where she enjoyed fellowship at Faith Lutheran Church (Cottonwood), and Christ Greenfield Church (Gilbert).

She was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed by her family and her many surviving friends. Barbara requested that In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School, 1810 McClintock Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221 or Salem Cemetery, Carrier Mills, IL.

Celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:30 pm at Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL with Rev. Hugh Fitz officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 pm until service time. Internment will take place at Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills, IL beside her beloved husband.