Verla K. Rice

Verla K. Rice passed away at home on September 30, 2022. Verla was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on January 8th, 1947, to Ronald and Ornetta (Randall) Bailey. She was 75 years old. Verla lived most of her life in Murtaugh, Idaho. She was previously married and had four children from those unions. She then went on to marry the love of her life and soulmate, Bill Rice, resulting in her having two more children. She did many wonderful things throughout her lifetime; but her greatest accomplishments were being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She grew up on a ranch and became a very avid barrel racer. She was a student at Murtaugh High School before she began her adult life. She owned the Murtaugh bar for a while where she enjoyed swapping stories and entertaining her patrons with her quick wit. She also co-owned a flower shop in Murtaugh where she created gorgeous flower arrangements for many. She worked many laborious jobs such as doing farm work, cooking in a restaurant, and waitressing. Later in life she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. She loved her position helping those in need.

Her family remembers what an amazing cook she was, always having delicious homemade food in the home. She loved to crochet, loved redecorating her house, did all kinds of crafts, and accepted many people into her life and called them family. She was always the life of the party and will be remembered by many for just being fun. She is preceded in death by her father Ronald Bailey, her mother Ornetta Bailey, son-in-law Carl Melugin, father-in-law Robert Rice, and sister-in-law Sandy Lepker. She is survived by her husband William (Bill) Rice, her six children; Robyn (Scott) Ross, Bill (Marilou) Martin, Codie (Carl) Melugin, Todd (Elvie) Maas, Lacy (Kim) Rice, Sarah (Cory) Farnworth and her honorary daughter Colletta (Steve) Thornsberry her grandchildren; Stefanie Hadley, Mercedes (Colton) Kupitz, Myranda Ross, Jasmine (Rocky) Sauce, Tyson Madden, Jon (John) Folsom-Martin, Chris Martin, Nathan Martin, Jace Melugin, Riley Melugin, Brett Stephens, Elizabeth Wulk, Echo Maas, Brittany (Cody) Van Meer, Ethan Maas, Sage Rice, Logan Rice, and Charlee Rice. Verla also had 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Larry (Sharon) Whitney, sister Tracy (Rodney) Ward, mother-in-law Betty (Robert) Rice, sister-in-law Vicki (Mike) Franklin, brother-in-law Jerry (LeeAnn) Rice. LeeAnn was also a very dear friend and confidant. Verla would also want her cousin and best friend mentioned, Liz (Gilbert) Flores. She also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a viewing Monday, October 10th from 5 pm to 7 pm at Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held the following day, Tuesday, October 11th, at 11 am at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Following the graveside service all are invited to join us at Parke’s Funeral Home for a luncheon.

 To watch her memorial Video click here: https://youtu.be/H_HLVOiZens

To watch her Service click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoBnnRWOvvU&ab_channel=Parke%27sMagicValleyFuneralHome

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