Obituaries : LaVonne F. Rice

LaVonne Rice

VINTON – LaVonne F. Rice, 93, longtime Vinton resident, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Homestead Assisted Living in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Ardel Barta as Celebrant.    A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, November 3, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with a Scripture Service at 6 p.m., led by Sister Mary Hargrafen.  Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.  

LaVonne was born March 9, 1918, on the family farm in rural Mt. Auburn, Iowa, the youngest child of Frank and Judith Wiltsie Primus.  She completed her education at Cedar Township Country School #3 and graduated from Mt. Auburn High School.  LaVonne went on to graduate first in her class of 80 students at Pitze’s Waterloo School of Beauty Culture in April of 1937.  She started her own business, LaVonne’s Beauty Shop, that same year above Port’s Jewelry Store in downtown Vinton. 

LaVonne was united in marriage with Everett Rice on August 23, 1951, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church rectory in Vinton.  He preceded her in death in 1993.  Everett and LaVonne farmed near Garrison, Iowa, and she continued her beauty shop business for 53 years in rural Garrison and later back in Vinton. 

 LaVonne was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and active in the Alter and Rosary society.  She loved to play cards, was a gifted cook and pie baker, and was skilled in many crafts.  LaVonne took up bowling, bridge and traveling in her retirement years.  She took great pride in her hometown and community. 

LaVonne is survived by one son: Everett (Maureen) Rice of Waunakee, WI; one step-daughter: Joyce (Matt) Kremer of Garrison; seven step-granddaughters and their families, and nine nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers: Allan, Lorenz, and Willis; and her sister, Helen. 

A memorial fund has been established.  Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for LaVonne and her family. You may leave condolences at www.vsrfh.com.