Evelene Hansen Rice

December 28, 1929 — October 7, 2021

Our beautiful mother, Evelene Hansen Rice, was born on December 28, 1929, and passed away on October 7, 2021 at 91 years of age, being surrounded by loving family. She was born to Arthur Erastus Hansen and Ester May Olsen being one of 10 children, the 7th child and 5th daughter. Evelene spent her early years growing up on their family farm in Young Ward, a small community in Cache Valley, Utah. Her family later moved to Ogden, Utah where she graduated from Ogden High School.

Evelene married her sweetheart, Vernon T. Rice, on April 14, 1950, eternally sealed in the Logan Temple. They had 67 wonderful years together before Vernon passed away on July 6, 2017.

At age 36, Evelene pursued her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Weber State University. Her degree was well earned, as she often walked the entire 3-mile distance each day, from her home in South Ogden, to the college campus and back.

With her degree, she started teaching 3rd grade. She loved teaching, and loved her students, but she also loved learning and returned to college, earning her Master of Education Degree from Utah State University in 1972. She taught at a number of elementary schools in the Weber County School District, earned her Administration Certification in 1978, and worked as the District Reading Specialist for Weber County Schools. She then became Principal of several elementary schools, including Marlon Hills, Park View, Burch Creek, Club Heights, and Uintah, as well as Canyon View School, where she had the opportunity to work with special needs students. She often referred to her experience working with emotionally, and learning disabled students as “A very rewarding job.”

Her love of being an educator is evident in her accomplishments. During her 25 years, she was awarded “Woman of The Year in Education” from the YWCA and, “Innovator of the Year” by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals in 1988. She was also named “Principal of the Year” by Weber County Schools, in 1992.

All of her life, Evelene was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she found great strength in her testimony of the Savior. In her later years, she was called to be an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple and felt peace, and love as she served. She was blessed to serve in the Primary as a teacher, chorister, and Primary President. She served in the Young Women as Laurel Leader, and in the Stake Young Women Presidency. She loved all ages of youth, and because she did, she fulfilled each calling with tremendous love. Her love of service continued as she, and Vernon desired to serve a mission together. They were blessed to serve two missions, in Rochester New York, and St. George, Utah.

Evelene was generously gifted with a beautiful voice and was frequently invited to sing. She lovingly shared her gift in many wards singing solos, and in groups. A favorite of her daughter’s, while at girl’s camp, was hearing her and Sterling Morris sing “Indian Love Call” while spotlighted from a mountain top and sending fire down to light the bonfire.

Evelene had many other interests and talents. She loved to read, garden, and was a beautiful seamstress, sewing many clothes for her children. She enjoyed baking, and making chocolates with her dear sister Cleo, to share at Christmas time. She enjoyed taking lessons, and playing her organ. A huge fan of BYU and Utah Jazz, she could often be heard loudly cheering them on. Evelene had a love of walking, and was hard to keep up with as she walked her 3 to 5 miles a day. After retiring, traveling with her husband was a highlight of life. Together they visited many countries around the world.

Evelene was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon T. Rice; son, Tracy Paul Rice; and her four brothers and five sisters. She is survived by her only remaining sister, Marjorie Rice of North Ogden, her daughters; Cheryl (Lee) Jacobson of Salem, OR; Dianne (Reed) Zaugg of Lewiston, UT, Brenda (Dave) Willie of Carlsbad, CA; and sweet daughter-in-law, Jean Rice of South Ogden; 16 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and another great-great soon to join the family.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were such a delight to her, and she was a delight to them!! We will all dearly miss your quick wit, continuous teasing, contagious laugh and warm smile. Grandma and Mom, you will be in our hearts forever!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Services will be live-streamed and available by scrolling to the bottom of Evelene’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.