Alene Rice

Alene Laird Rice, daughter of the late Mary E. Sparks Gean, was born in Kewanee, Missouri on May 1, 1924, and passed away at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Crystal City, Missouri on February 2, 2012, at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 1 day. Alene had been a resident of Dexter, Missouri for many years before moving to Fenton several years ago and currently resided in DeSoto, Missouri. She was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sikeston, Missouri. She was first married to LeRoy R. Laird and he preceded her in death in 1987. She married Albert L. Rice in 1988 and he preceded her in death. Surviving are six nieces. Other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by one brother, Logan Purcell and one sister, Juanita Van Buren. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012, after 10:00 a.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri with David Sparks of Poplar Bluff, Missouri officiating. Interment will be in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of arrangements.