Greta Rice
Greta Rice, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, peacefully passed away at her home in Chehalis, Washington, on July 30, 2018; she was 97.
She was born October 21, 1920, in Bethune, Saskatchewan, the fourth of eight children of Albert and Ophelia (Cornish) Alexander.
During the Great Depression that began in 1929, Greta’s parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins moved from Bethune to Taylor, British Columbia, to escape the drought and open up new farm land. Greta shared many stories of her childhood in Taylor and growing up in the Peace River country.
Greta met and married Lloyd Rice in Victoria, British Columbia, during World War II while he was stationed there in the Royal Canadian Navy. Shortly after they married, the Navy transferred the couple to Lloyd’s hometown of Prince Rupert. All three of their sons were born in Prince Rupert.
The family moved in 1958 to Sitka where Lloyd was employed as a personnel director at the Pulp Mill. During her time in Sitka, Greta became a U.S. citizen, which she was very proud of accomplishing.
Greta spent her adult life as the beloved matriarch of the family. She was a selfless person who took pride in being a housewife and caregiver to her family. She loved to host dinner parties during the ALP days in Sitka.
Greta was a proper lady, who instilled those traits in her granddaughters and nieces. She loved her flower garden and her afternoon cup of Red Rose tea.
After Lloyd’s death in 1979, she stayed in Sitka to be with her sons and their families. Greta was affectionately known as Gram to all of her grandchildren. It was not uncommon for all of the grandchildren or great-grandchildren to go to Gram’s house after school for one of her special treats of French toast, Rice Krispies or ginger snap cookies.
Gram had an active role in the upbringing of all of her grandchildren. She took pride in her family and was proud of each and every one of them. Her dear friend said, “Not only did she have an amazing life, she gave a lot of other people incredible lives.”
After a 50-year absence, Greta moved back to Fort St. John, B.C., in the Peace River area in 1990 to be near her sisters and brothers. In 2001 she moved to Washington state to be near immediate family, and stayed there until her passing.
Greta was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, oldest son Don, daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughter Debbie, great-grandson Robert Kyle, parents Albert and Ophelia, siblings Muriel, Elmer, Delbert, Pearl, Dorothy, Raymond and Rhea, sister-in-law Joyce, and niece Deborah Graham.
She is survived by her sons Myron (Sue) and Murray (Barbara); grandchildren David, Robert, Karmon, Arron, Merril (Kim), Kyle (Nadiia), Kendra Nicholson (Shane), Paul and Christopher; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her good friend and caregiver Alene.
A celebration of Greta’s life will take place in Chehalis, Washington, on Greta’s 98th birthday. A celebration of life in Sitka and Taylor will take place at a later date.
