Maudie Elizabeth Perkins Rice, 96, died at her home at Natural Bridge, Virginia, on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

She was born in Bradshaw, WV to Julia and Wickam Perkins on August 31, 1915.

She was one of ten children. After moving to Virginia, she married Woodrow W. Rice in 1934.

Her daughters, Nellie Mae Rice of Lexington and husband, Larry, Betty Jo Jarvis of Richmond and husband, Richard, and Barbara Britt of Richmond and husband, Bob, her grandchildren, Karen Beard and husband, Kenny, Mark Rice, Julie Nicely and husband, Chris, Rick Jarvis and wife, Sarah, Mike Jarvis, Rob Britt and wife, Kelly, her great grandchildren, Alexx Beard, Molly, Annie and Maddie Jarvis and Camden Britt, will greatly miss their beloved "Momsie". Also surviving are brothers, Joe Perkins and wife, Barbara, Jackie Perkins and wife, Josephine and Gene and Anita Perkins; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Maudie's little stone home, where she lived for 65 years, was a warm, welcoming haven for her family and friends. Her great pleasure was feeding all who visited and showing them her flowers and birds. She loved to garden, especially in spring time and to read.

Music played an important part in her life. Her strong work ethic, keen sense of humor, appreciation of nature and her amazing spirit kept her active and involved until the last few weeks of her life.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and by three sisters and three brothers.

A service will be held to honor her life at Harrison Funeral Home at 714 S. Main St in Lexington at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012. Burial will follow at High Bridge Presbyterian Church at Natural Bridge. Memorial donations may be made to Rockbridge Area Hospice, Mt. Olivet Methodist Church or the Rockbridge SPCA.

Her family is grateful to all who loved and helped her through the years. A special thank you is given to Rockbridge Area Hospice for loving care, advice and comfort during Maudie's illness and to Julie Nicely, Billy and Linda Perkins, Gene and Anita Perkins, Judy Cash and Shirley Siler and her family who helped care for her in her last days.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.