Kathleen "Gannie" Rice

Swannanoa Jerry Kathleen Gannie Ballew Rice, 71, of Swannanoa, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House surrounded by her family. A life long resident of Buncombe County, she worked for Mission Hospitals. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, considered by many as the cornerstone of her family. Mrs. Rice was the daughter of the late William Dillard and Vertie Verdell Mashburn Ballew. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Rice, who passed away January 2, 2015. Surviving are her sons: Richard Rice, William Christopher Sandlin, Rush Little, III, and Keith Onque; daughters: Pamela Rice, Sandra Onque, and Virtie Little; grandchildren: Michael, Brandon, Alex, Brittany, Malachi, Deashawn, Destiny, Matthew, and Gabrielle; great-grandchild, Infinitee; brothers: Steve and Dillard Ballew; sisters: Mary Fortner, Martha Huffman, and Louise Bradley; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 16 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Skyland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the Rice family.