Velma E. Rice

Velma Ernestine Rice

Velma Ernestine Rice, 97, Topeka, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Lexington Park Nursing Center. She was born December 25, 1918, on the family farm north of Topeka, the daughter of Ernest Otto and Lottie Alice (Farnsworth) Sechrist.

She graduated from Seaman High School in 1936, and from Strickler's Business College. Before she retired she was a secretary for the Federal Probation Office in Topeka.

Velma was a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, Oakland United Methodist Women, and Oakland Rebekah Lodge # 616 (serving as secretary for 39 years). She was active in the Oakland Rebekah Lodge's Bingo, serving as treasurer and kitchen manager.

She was married to Jack Lee Rice, Sr. on February 22, 1938, in Meriden. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Jack Rice, Jr.; a daughter: Cynthia Pargman on November 7, 2008; a grandson, Gary Dean Rice, on January 2, 1990; a granddaughter, Tracy Chase; a great-grandson, Eric Joseph Rice; three siblings: Josephine Briery, Dorothy Fleenor, and Don Sechrist.

Surviving are four grandchildren: Patricia Wallen of Springfield, MO, Jill Schmutz of Wakefield, Allan Pargman of Gilbert, AZ, and Jeff Rice of Springhill; six great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 25, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka. Interment will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, NW 35th & Menoken Road, Topeka.

Velma will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Thursday, at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 3716 SW 29th, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614.

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