Thelbert Dale Rice

Thelbert Dale Rice

Thelbert Dale Rice, mostly known as Dale, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 25, 2025, at the age of 85. Dale was born on May 13, 1939, to his father Ted Rice and his mother Pauline Rice (Scott). Dale was born in a log cabin in Mayhill New Mexico, the same cabin his mother was born in.

Dale served his country honorably in the Army for 23 years. Dale earned two associate’s degrees in applied science and retired after 14 years as a navigator for a seismograph ship. Dale enjoyed many hobbies including barbequing, woodworking, making and collecting knives, reading, and spending time with his family.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Pauline Rice; his beloved wife, Mary Lou Rice; Daughter Vicky Shelton; and two granddaughters.

Dale’s memory lives on in the life of many including his sons Michael Rice and Danny Rice (Lee Anne) both of Roswell, NM; Daughter Lisa Rueffer (Jeff) of Roswell, NM; Brothers Raymond Rice of Granbury, TX and Paul Rice of Cloudcroft, NM; as well as 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life and inurnment for Dale will be held at Grace Community Church on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 10 AM.

Online memorials can be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com