Norma Jean Rice

From her daughter and son-in-law, Lezlee and Joe Aritua's residence and with her family at her side, Norma Jean Davis Rice passed into heaven on October 23, 2011. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday October 26, 2011 at 11:00 am at Community Baptist Church of Lafayette, LA. Reverend Tom Lambert, Pastor of Community Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will take place at Fountain Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Norma was born in Crosbyton, TX, on October 27, 1929 to her parents Opal and Forrest Davis. She welcomed her loving little sister Melba Delores Davis and together they shared many wonderful times growing up in Crosbyton, on beaches of California, and the countryside of West Texas. Norma Jean and the love of her life "Pete" met on the tennis court in Hamilton, TX, and were married 6 months later on November 10, 1946. Norma was a great support and the wind beneath the wings of her beloved husband, Dr. Lawrence "Pete" Rice as he earned his doctor's degree and they built their life together. She was the matriarch of the family and a very loving and caring mother and wife. She loved her Church members at the Community Baptist Church and her bridge friends who were all so dear to her. A very special loving thank you comes from Brenda and Lezlee to their beautiful sister Paula for all of the sacrifices you made for mama. We love you. Another very special "Thank you" to Hospice of Acadiana and the staff of Evangeline Oaks of Carencro, LA. and also Dr. Esmond Barker, MD. and Dr. Kenneth Spiller, MD. She is survived by three daughters; Brenda Rice and Ron Ratzlaff of Lafayette, LA, Paula Rice of Lafayette, LA, and Lezlee Aritua and Joe of Arnaudville, LA; one sister Delores Davis of Athens, TX, one sister-in-law Betty Naranjo Smith and husband Ellis of Abilene, TX; eight grandchildren; Tracey, Nicky, Luke, George, Katie, J.R., Connie and Joseph; 11 great grandchildren; Courtney, Miles, Grace, Dominic, Ethan, Tanner, Cheyenne, Christian, Jason, Preslee and Brooks John. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Lawrence "Pete" Rice; and her great grandchild Adam Pecoraro. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Tuesday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and will continue Wednesday from 8:00 am to time of services. Pallbearers will be J.R. Powell, George Boudreaux, Luke Romaire, Joseph Aritua, Jr, Ron Ratzlaff, Joe Aritua and honorary pallbearers; John Scarbrough, Grant Pecoraro and Ellis Smith. Personal condolences may be sent to the Rice family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Norma Jean Rice

October 27, 1929 - October 23, 2011