Averia Marie Rice

Averia Marie Rice passed away peacefully on March 16, 2015 at the age of 76. She is survived by her loving husband Roland of 57 years; sons David, Dan (Sara) and Robert (Diane); grandchildren Dustin, Ashley (Adam), Amanda, Matt, Angela, Courtney and Jake and one great-grandson Luke. Averia was born to parents Orville and Ina Carter in Washington, Iowa on November 19, 1938. She was the second of six children. In 1955, her family moved to Littleton, Colorado where she graduated from Littleton High School two years later. During her senior year of high school, Averia met Roland and married him on July 7, 1957 at First Presbyterian Church. The couple remained in Littleton and raised their family of three boys. The family began attending St. James Presbyterian Church in 1970. Averia was active in the church, including serving as a Stephen Minister. Averia was an avid collector of antique dishes and dolls. She appreciated quiet time at home but was also known as a witty prankster by her close friends and in-laws. Averia enjoyed spending time in the Colorado mountains hiking, bicycling and relaxing. Her and Roland traveled throughout the United States, visiting all but eight states. They spent a memorable two weeks on a cruise from the west coast through the Panama Canal to the east coast that included visits to many Central American countries, but Colorado always remained her favorite. ""Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."" Thomas said to him, ""Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"" Jesus answered, ""I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14: 1-6 A Memorial Service will honor Averia on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:30 AM at St. James Presbyterian Church, 3601 West Belleview Avenue, Littleton, Colorado. Please share your memories of Averia and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.