PATRICIA “PATTY” JEAN DAWSON RICE
PATRICIA “PATTY” JEAN DAWSON RICE
Patricia “Patty” Rice age 85, of Shelbina, MO passed away Tuesday, September 09, 2008 at approximately 10:05 a.m. at the Salt River Nursing Home.
Patricia Jean “Patty” Dawson Rice was born on April 14, 1923 in Keokuk, Iowa to Horace Tinsman and Ozetta Belle Morris Dawson. She grew up on a farm two miles south of Wayland, MO on old Highway 61.
Patty had two: younger brothers John and Jim Dawson, two first cousins Coopie and Betty Morris (O’Day), sons Jack and Mike with daughter-in-laws Robyn and Connie, and grandchildren Amanda and Jason
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Patty descended from several of Clark County’s founding families; the Waylands, Stauffers and the Tinmans. They were from the St. Francisville area; and the Talls, Morrises, and Dawsons from south of Wayland. Her grandparents were Sarah Elizabeth Cooper (daughter of Mary Wayland), Cornelius Morris, Emma Tinsman and John Moses Dawson. She had special Great Uncles, Dr. Gene Tinsman, her namesake, who practiced medicine in Orient, IA where Patty often summered with Jim Tinsman and Fax Dawson. Her Aunt Hattie Morris of Wayland was a loyal family friend.
As a child during the Depression, Patty’s family fed travelers and the dislocated until they too had to move to Jefferson City in 1936. There Patty graduated from High School and Jr. College. In 1948 Patty married Lee Rice. In June of 1951 Lee graduated from the University of MO School of Veterinary Medicine, son Jack was born, and they moved to Shelbina. In 1953 the family moved to the south edge of Shelbina to make room for Mike. In 1963 they moved to 611 S. Center. Lee died in 1983.
Patty was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, Chapter U PEO, and the Shelbina Arts Council. She worked as a Secretary in the Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine while Lee attended Vet school. From 1950 to 1961 she ran the home and Lee’s practice. Patty worked as Secretary to the Shelby County Farm Bureau from the 1973 to 1988. Patty was the assistant-organist at the Shelbina United Methodist Church. Patty enjoyed gardening, was an accomplished cook, loved musical productions, and enjoyed playing bridge. Lee started playing golf in the 1970’s and Patty dusted off the game she’d learned in Jefferson City. She played her last round with her grandson Jason two days before the brain tumor felled her in March of 2006, one month shy of her 83rd birthday. Patty was always ready to take a friend to the doctor, or prepare food, and support church and community efforts. At home, she never quit hosting friends, travelers and family; treats and good company were always available.
Patty met history, selling a watermelon to Pretty Boy Floyd and watching Thomas Hart Benton paint murals in the State Capital. With her friends she made trips to Europe, Canada, Alaska, and across the USA.
The affects of the brain surgery and the radiation left Patty disabled. She lived in Shelbina’s Salt River Nursing Home starting June 2006 where she enjoyed old friends and made new ones with the superb staff and residents. Her many good turns were generously returned by her loyal friends and family. Where Patty was everything seemed more special and fun. Being (constantly) busy didn’t seem like work.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home in Shelbina, MO.
The funeral will be Friday September, 12, 2008, at 3:00 pm at the Shelbina United Methodist Church with burial in the Shelbina Cemetery.
