Mary Lou Rice

Mary Lou Rice, 95, of Crisfield, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Cambridge on December 5, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Ewell Holmes Parks and Lula Young Parks. Her husband, Kenneth Albert Rice, preceded her in death June 25, 1986.

A graduate of Crisfield High School, she was the last surviving classmate of her graduating class of 1945. She was a retired administrative assistant working many years at the late Dr. Rawley’s office and Wilson Realty. Over the years she was also a switchboard operator with the former C&P Telephone and was office manager at the former American Home Care.

Mary Lou was a faithful member of Immanuel United Methodist Church where she was active in many areas including Circle #5, UMW, and the annual Christmas Bazaar where she spearheaded the Bake Shop. She also was a member of the former Jr. Auxiliary Board of McCready Hospital.

She loved to cook and bake and was well-known for her famous peanut butter fudge. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and loved the holidays, always making Christmas special for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Bridge with the “Wrinkle Free Bridge Club”, and was an original member of the “Golden Girls”, remaining close with her friends for many years. Finally, stemming from her mother-in-law’s English heritage, she was a huge Royal Family fan.

She is survived by three children, Kenneth L. Rice (Donna) of Johns Island, SC, Cindy Holland (Randy) of Crisfield, and Cathy Rice Asanovich of Marion; five grandchildren, Samantha Langford Peterson (Bobby) of Raleigh, NC, Olivia Hatton Rice of Charleston, SC, Amy Holland Haynie (Andy) of Marion, Zachary Asanovich of Marion, and Zoe Asanovich of Marion; two great-grandsons, Thomas Haynie and Conner Haynie, both of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Nathaniel Ewell Parks; and two sisters, Irene Parks Tyler and Edwina Parks Blades.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Immanuel U. M. Church in Crisfield at 2 PM where a viewing will be one hour prior. Rev. Jim Riley, Jr. and Rev. Jim Riley, Sr. will officiate the service. Interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home for the wonderful care Mary Lou received while a resident there.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Immanuel U. M. Church Memorial Fund, c/o Robert H. Bradshaw, Jr., 306 W. Main Street; or Alice B. Tawes Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 201 Hall Highway; both Crisfield, MD 21817.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com