Ilah M. Rice

Ilah M. Rice of Erie, Colorado, passed away at her home on December 28, 2021 at the age of 94 with her loved ones around her. She will be laid to rest in Hayes Center, Nebraska.

Ilah was born July 15, 1927 in McCook, Nebraska to Clifford H. and Nettie M. Lawson of Hayes Center, Nebraska. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1945.

She was united in marriage to Charles E. Rice on November 27, 1947. They were blessed with two children, Donald and Judy. They made their home in Hayes Center farming. In 1953 they moved to Golden, Colorado.  In the Mid 1970’s they lived in different cities finally settling down in Erie, Colorado to be nearer to family. Over the years, Ilah worked for several financial institutions and the Colorado School of Mines as a bookkeeper, as well as for Foss Drug Store as a beauty consultant.

Ilah reveled in the simple joy of spending time with her loving family, especially her great-grandchildren with all their hugs and kisses. Her other passions included bookkeeping, dancing, interior design, needlework and playing Marbles and Kings in the Corner.

She is survived by her son, Donald Rice and wife Merri, of Watkins, Colorado, her daughter Judy Sinkey, of Boulder Colorado, Four Grandchildren; Heidi Bath and husband John, David Sinkey and wife Christy, Michael Sinkey and Jason Sinkey; and five great grandchildren; Faye Ann and Zane Bath and Georgia, Carly, and Julia Sinkey. She is also survived by some wonderful extended family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Rice, father, Clifford H. Lawson, mother Nettie M. Lawson, brother Dean Lawson, brother-in-law Court Fielding, sister-in-law Ruby Rice and son-in-law Barry Sinkey.

Memorials in Ilah's name can be directed to Boys Town of Nebraska or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

In an effort to keep everyone safe and healthy during the pandemic and winter cold, viewing and graveside services will be held privately. Words of comfort for her graveside will be said by Pastor Jean Miller. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to In Memoriam, Broomfield Colorado.

Ilah’s viewing for close family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 5th from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ilah M. Rice, please visit our floral store.