Gertrude M. Rice

Woodfin - Gertrude Marie Fender Rice, 94, of 20 Union Street, died Tuesday July 31, 2001 at Beverly Healthcare after a short illness. A native of Yancey, NC, she had resided in Buncombe County most of her life. She was a homemaker and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who always put others before herself. She was a member of Woodfin Freewill Baptist Church and daughter of the late Isom and Lavina Williams Fender. She was the wife of the late Mutt Rice who died in 1983. Surviving are her son: Spanky Rice and wife, Louise of Woodfin; grandchildren, Johnny Byars and wife, Ila of Woodfin and Sheila Matthews of Leicester; great grandchildren, Corey, Cody, Brittany, Bradley, Angel and Brent; sister, Bonnie Hixon of West Asheville; brother, Clyde Fender of Avon Park, Fl and beloved sister-in-law, Dorothy Hall of Asheville. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory with the Rev. David J. Gosnell officiating. Your expression of flowers are appreciated. A special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Tait and his nurse, Gail for the friendship, love and attention given to us over the last 18 years. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is serving the family.