Ruby Rice

Fletcher - Ruby King Rice, 80, of Fletcher, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Laurels of Hendersonville. A native of the Sandy Mush Community of Buncombe County, she had resided in Fletcher since 1990. She retired in 1998 from Gerber Baby Products following 36 years of service, and was a member of Balfour Baptist Church. Mrs. Rice was the daughter of the late Wiley and Rachel Stines King. She was also preceded in death by her former husband and father to her children, Lawrence Carol Rice; and four sisters. Surviving are her children: Marie Holcombe and husband Harold of Clifton, VA, James Rice and wife Harriett of Durham, NC, Martha Christopher and husband Richard of Enka, Kay Hornaday and husband Richard of Greenville, SC, and Marilyn Mercer and husband Edward of Fletcher; grandchildren: Larry Wilson, Charlie Rice, Erin Spaulding, Joseph Rice, Stephanie Mote, Mitchell Hornaday, Rachel Mercer, Amelia Hornaday, and Reese Mercer; and great-granddaughters: Gabriella Wilson and Julia Mote. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Travis Harrison officiating. Burial will follow in Jones Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11 AM Friday at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to the Balfour Baptist Church Food Pantry, 2502 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791.