Marianna Rice

Marianna Rice passed away at her home on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Grand Junction, Colorado at the age of 87. She was born on November 7, 1936 in Nucla, Colorado to Arthur and Kittie Mae Enstrom. She grew up on the family ranch with her brother, Herbert Enstrom. Donald Rice and Marianna were married in 1956. She graduated from Western State College in Elementary Education and received a Master’s in Education from Colorado State University in 1981. Don and Marianna purchased the family cattle ranch from his parents and there they raised three children Christine Villard (Lynn), Michele Bergmann (Steven) and John Rice (Tammy). Marianna worked alongside Donald on the cattle ranch herding cattle, helping with hay season, feeding ranch hands and going back and forth to cow camp on the 47 Ranch. Due to Don’s health, they sold the ranch and moved to Fort Collins, Colorado then to Craig, Colorado and finally settled in Grand Junction, Colorado after their retirement in the early 1990’s.

As well as living and working on the ranch, Marianna taught first grade for many years while living in both Nucla and Craig. She also had the role as a Reading Specialist in both Craig and Grand Junction. Marianna was an innovative teacher and helped to implement numerous initiatives for advancing Literacy Instruction during her years as an educator. After retirement, Marianna enjoyed volunteering in local elementary schools, continuing to help children attain literacy skills. In 1987, Marianna was awarded Colorado Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Colorado State Board of Education.

Marianna was an accomplished musician playing the piano and organ. In both Nucla and Craig, she was involved with the church community playing for most Sunday services, holidays, weddings and funerals. Marianna was the accompanist for numerous community musical events and groups, as well as a piano instructor.

Marianna was an involved member in her community and participated in multiple organizations. She belonged to the International Reading Association, the Colorado Reading Association and local Reading Councils in both Nucla and Craig. She was an active member of the church community and served various roles in the Nucla Congregational Church, the Fort Collins Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ in Craig and the Redlands United Methodist Church in Grand Junction. She was an active member of P.E.O. in Craig and Grand Junction.

Marianna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, developing strong and lasting friendships wherever she was. She liked to play bridge and dominos, sew quilts and do small crafts. She was an avid reader and loved learning. She and Don were drawn to the outdoor beauty of Colorado, spending time at the family cabin in the mountains.

Marianna is proceeded in death by her husband, Donald, her brother, Herbert Enstrom and her great-granddaughter ClairLynn. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Nancy Enstrom, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren are Sean Villard (Amanda), Amy Villard (Cody Tennant), Deanna Bergmann, Mikayla Bergmann, Katie Rice and Spencer Rice. Her great grandchildren are Logan, EvaMarie and Felix Villard and Ashley and Luke Rhodes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ensight Skills Center Colorado Low-Vision Services and Care, providing services for individuals with Vision Impairments and Loss through the Center for Independence. 970-407-9999 or ensightskills.org.

Services will be held at the Redlands United Methodist Church in Grand Junction on Friday, April 12th, at 1 pm.