Barbara Whiteside Rice passed away on January 30, 2021 at the age of 89 due to complications from Covid-19.

She was born on October 11, 1931 in Clifton Forge, Virginia where she maintained her residence for her entire life.

She was the youngest of nine children of Grover Cleveland and Ethel May Baker Whiteside.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Wardell Rice; her brothers, Thomas Walter Whiteside, John Werner "Dick" Whiteside, Grover William "Bill" Whiteside, James Dennis "Den" Whiteside, Edward Clayton "Buck" Whiteside, Clarence Howard Whiteside, and sisters, Mary Whiteside Freeman and Esther "Tuty" Whiteside Bratton.

She graduated from Clifton Forge High School, the Riverside School of Nursing in Newport News with a registered nurse certification, Greensboro College with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and the University of Virginia with a Master’'s Degree in Nursing Administration.

She touched many lives throughout her career while she served as a nurse at the old C&O Hospital, taught nursing at the C&O Hospital School of Nursing and at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and as the director of nursing at Alleghany Regional Hospital.

She was a lifelong member of Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, a member of the Twilight Garden Club, the Clifton Forge Woman's Club, the Alleghany Highland Arts & Crafts Center, and the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College board.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Keven Rice and wife, Cindy, and Amy Dew, all of Clifton Forge, and Paul Rice and wife, Susan of Fincastle; grandchildren, Lauren Glass and husband, Todd of Salem, John Rice of Roanoke County, Caty Clonch and husband, Shane of Eagle Rock, Ethan Dew of Annandale, and Ben and Elizabeth Rice of Fincastle; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kash Clonch of Eagle Rock; special niece and nephews, Robin Sams and husband, Steve of Covington, Talmadge Bratton and wife, Teresa of Salem, and Tommy Whiteside and wife, Kay of Harrisonburg; special great nieces, Cathy Drummer of Clifton Forge and Lyndsay Bratton of New London, Connecticut; and a number of other nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The Rice family wishes to express their appreciation to, and affection for, the staff of The Brian Center in Low Moor for the care and love they provided to Barbara during a very difficult and challenging time.

In respect for the health and well-being of others due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Clifton Forge on February 5, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Chris Fisher officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center or The Historic Masonic Theater.

Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.