Phyllis Ellen Dean Rice

Phyllis Dean Rice passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015 in Littleton, Colorado due to complications associated with multiple chronic health issues. She was 85 years old. Phyllis was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 20, 1930, the youngest of four children. The family moved to Lexington Kentucky in 1931 where she was raised. Phyllis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Music with a Minor in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky. Phyllis sang professionally in New York City and held teaching certificates in the states of Kentucky, New York, and Colorado. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Grace and Harlowe F. Dean, two brothers, Robert (Bob) Dean, Harlowe (Tinker) Dean and her sister, Alice Barstow. Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband Duncan T. Rice, her daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Smith and her husband Mike; her son Arthur (Art) Rice and his wife Mary; four grandchildren (Sean, Phillip, Chris and Sarah); and 1 great grandchild (James). Phyllis was a gracious, loving woman who gave her all to make everyone she met happier. She cherished her family, was a devoted mother, and wife to her beloved husband, Duncan T. Rice for 60 years. They had many exciting and wonderful adventures together which took them all over the world. Phyllis was also a faithful Christian and spent countless hours serving the Lord with joy. She had a beautiful singing voice, loved her ""kitty"" cats, was a caring educator, painter, writer, flower arranger and was a long time member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church where she practiced being an earnest prayer warrior with the Daughters of the King and Transmitters. Rest in peace, Phyllis, an angel who walked the earth and has now been called home to be with Jesus. She was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be Saturday, November 7th, 10:30 am at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 1401 E Dry Creek Rd. Centennial, CO 80122. The family would like to give special thanks to her care givers at Highline Place, during her final days, for their compassionate, loving care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. James Preschool Grace Scholarship Fund, 3601 W. Belleview Ave. Littleton CO 80123.