Clara Ferguson Rice went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Buena Vista, Virginia.

Born on September 22, 1917 to Charles C. Ferguson, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth McCullough, "Mama Clara" is survived by two loving children, son, John H. Rice and wife, Joyce, and daughter Joyce R. Spence and husband, Bill, and brother, Carl "Ray" Ferguson and wife, Betty, all of Buena Vista.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Bennie T. Rice and a son, Charles W. Rice, Sr., brother, Charles C. Ferguson, Jr., sisters, Virginia F. Shafer and Phyllis F. Byers, all of Buena Vista.

"Mama Clara" also leaves behind grandson, Charles W. Rice, Jr. of Buena Vista, granddaughters, Kristin S. Canard of Madison Heights, Heather S. All, of Raleigh, NC; grandsons, John R. Rice and Anthony T. Rice, both of Buena Vista; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Georgie Henson.

She was a member of the First Brethren Church and for years she served faithfully as the Financial Secretary as well as in many other capacities.

She retired from Bernson Mills and owned and operated her own beauty salon in her home for years.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of the Golden Living Center for their wonderful care and personal relationships with "Mama Clara". They will be eternally grateful for the laughter and close interactions everyone extended to her during her stay there. The family will receive friends at the Bolling, Gross and Lotts Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, July 24, 2011 or at any time at the home of Bill and Joyce Spence, 2156 Walnut Avenue, Buena Vista. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Bolling, Gross and Lotts with the Reverends. Sheldon Sorrells and Lester Kennedy officiating. Burial will follow in the Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made to the Buena Vista Rescue Squad or the Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Buena Vista, VA.