Leonard Rice

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Leonard George Rice, 89, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, Aug.26, 2012, surrounded by family, with his beloved wife of 60 years by his side.

Services will be held Friday, Aug. 31 at the Grand View Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The viewing is at noon and services began at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett.

Leonard was born Aug. 16, 1923 in Logan, Utah, to Ursel and Mable Rice. He was the third in a family of six children with five sisters, Ruby, Leola, Adeline, June and Ramona.

He graduated from Bell High School in southern California in 1942. He joined the army on Feb. 5, 1943, and served in the South Pacific during World War II.

Leonard married the love of his life, Adrienne Layne, in Long Beach, California, on Jan. 26, 1952.

Longing for a life in the country, Leonard and Adrienne moved their family from California to Grand View, Idaho, in 1968, where he remained for the rest of his life. Leonard ran the Shoo-Fly machine shop for more than 35 years. He loved the peaceful, close-knit community and leaves behind many friends.

Leonard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

An honest, kind and hard-working man, he loved the Lord, his family and music.

He taught himself to play the guitar and the piano and loved listening to classical music and hymns. One of the greatest joys of his life was listening to his family sing together.

He is survived by: his wife, Adrienne; his children, Stephen (Roselyn), Cheri Gilbert (Dan), Jim (Rhonda), Dan (Lynn), Gary, Virginia May (David), Rick (Sami), Mark, Scott (Andrea) and Mindy Madsen (Hans), as well as 22 grandchildren, 19 great- grandchildren and counting.

Although Leonard will be greatly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he has returned home to his Heavenly Father and is now in the arms of his loved ones.

We love you, Dad. You will live forever in our hearts.