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Beth Rhodes Rice, 79, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on September 13, 2006. She was born January 17, 1927 in Ashland, KS, to Mr. and Mrs. David C. Rhodes. She graduated from Ashland High School, then attended Colorado Women's College in Denver, CO, and graduated from the University of New Mexico. She was in the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority where she made many life-long friends. After marrying Albert Lebeck in 1948, she lived in Gallup, NM for many years, raising four children, Michael, Mary, Barbara, and David. She was a very active member of the McKinley County Hospital Auxiliary and enjoyed helping others. She moved to Albuquerque in 1977, was divorced and later married Frank E. Rice. Beth and Frank spent many happy years together traveling and enjoying family. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. John and Chapter AA - PEO. All who knew Beth knew that she was an avid sports fan. "Her teams" were the UNM Lobos, the Denver Broncos, and the Chicago Cubs. In 2003, she moved to La Vida Llena, where she was extremely happy. She was an active member of this caring community and made many wonderful friends. Beth was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to so many and all who knew her were touched by her kindness and love. Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents; her brother, David Rhodes; and her sister, Jean Bowser. Beth is survived by her four children and their spouses: Michael Lebeck of Beverly Hills, CA; Mary Lebeck and Nicholas Gentry of Albuquerque, NM; Barbara Lebeck and Ernie Arko of Albuquerque, NM; and David and Joyce Lebeck of Gallup, NM. She is also survived by her special friend and "daughter" Susan Allen Kosar of Colorado Springs, CO, and her special friends, Ike and Suzanne Barker Kalangis. She is also survived by her grandchildren: James Lebeck, Meredith Lebeck, Nathaniel Gentry, Lauren Gentry, Delinah Lebeck, Cory Lebeck, and Jennica Arko. Beth is also survived by her step-children and their spouses: Tim Rice of Seattle, WA; Phil and Margaret Rice of Palmdale, CA; Greg Rice of Casper, WY; Mark Rice of Palm Springs, CA; Dennis Rice of El Paso, TX; Mary Beth and Scott Fitzwater of Poderly, TX; and Katy Rice and Mike Donoghue of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren: Clair, Molly, and Nathan Rice; Bruce, Andy, and Beth Fitzwater; and Duncan and Connor Rice. Beth is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom live out-of-state. She was loved and will be terribly missed by all. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2006, at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, 318 Silver Ave. SW, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions are made to La Vida Llena Foundation, Cathedral of St. John's, or Vista Care Hospice. All Services are under the care and direction of: Strong-Thorne Mortuary 1100 Coal Ave. SE 842-8800
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