Phoebe Ann Ballard Rice

PHOEBE ANN BALLARD RICE CANDLER – God called one of his angels home. Phoebe Ann Ballard Rice, age 69, of Candler died Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the St. Joseph’s campus of Mission Hospital, after a period of declining health. Mrs. Rice was born August 25, 1947 in Buncombe County where she had lived most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Charles Everette and Lorraine Roberts Ballard. Phoebe was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. Mrs. Rice was a talented artist, taught art and incorporated her art into her love for the Lord. She was a major prayer warrior and member of Trinity Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Roger Rice; daughters, Tonya Lorraine Rice, Cynthia Rice Elliott and husband Gregory; son, Ricky Rice; sister, Stephanie Conda Ballard; brother, John Paul Ballard and wife Donna Burgess Ballard; grandchildren, Samantha Cook, Alexandrea, Christopher and Ashley Rice; and great grandson on the way, Landon Roger Lenzi. A funeral service for Mrs. Rice will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2016, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Dr. Ralph Sexton, Jr., and Reverend Andrew Crimmins officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Rice’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.