Catherine Rice

Catherine May Rice, 72, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in Houston, Texas.

Cathy battled various health problems in her last years here on Earth.

Cathy was born Jan. 14, 1942, in Boise, Idaho, to H.R. Bartlett and Alma Nixon Bartlett.

She grew up in Mountain Home, Idaho, and graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1960. Cathy attended the University of Idaho from 1960-1962 where she was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

In 1962, she transferred to Idaho State University in Pocatello, majoring in elementary education and graduated in 1964. While there she became Social Affiliate of Gamma Phi Beta.

Cathy married Harry L. Rice, from Houston, Texas, whom she met while he was stationed in Mountain Home as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

Cathy taught school in Mountain Home and she and her husband welcomed their first daughter, Kelli, in the summer of 65.

The couple transferred to Travis AFB in 1966 and then back to Harry's home of Houston, Texas, in the summer of 1967. The family remained in Houston where Candis, Kristi, Steven, David and Kerri were born.

Cathy became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1971.

She was a loving daughter of Heavenly Father, wife and mother who served those around her.

Catherine Rice was preceded in death by her parents, sister Connie Francis and Harry L. Rice.

She is survived by her brother, Lee Bartlett, aunt Marjorie Garner, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well as her six children, 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5531 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday.

Condolences may be expressed at www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net.

Funeral services will be held under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home 1508 East Ave., Katy, Texas 77493 -- (281) 391-2424.