Cover photo for Elizabeth Marie "Betty" Rice's Obituary
1929 Elizabeth 2025

Elizabeth Marie "Betty" Rice

August 16, 1929 — June 1, 2025

Phoenix

Elizabeth Marie Rice (Betty) was born on August 16, 1929, in Canton, Ohio. She passed away on June 1, 2025. Betty was the daughter of Bruno and Anna Chirumbolo, and the second youngest of sixteen siblings. She lived in Phoenix, Arizona, in the same home for over 50 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Rice Sr., and her second son, Tim Rice. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her first son, James Rice II (Nancy Smak), and her grandson, James Marcus Rice III (Victoria Adams). They were the joys of her life. Betty spoke with her son James almost every day and always looked forward to their conversations. She adored her grandson Marcus and would light up whenever she saw him.

She is also survived by her younger brother Frank and his family. Betty cherished the time she spent with her extended family, including her niece, Jackie Adams; nephews Frank Chirumbolo (Laura) and Tony Chirumbolo (Tracy); and great-nephew Dan Veno (Chris), along with their families.

At the time of her passing, Betty was in a loving relationship of over 43 years with William Morris (Bill). Together, they traveled extensively, enjoyed meals out, visited military bases and local casinos. Betty often had luck on her side and regularly won at the slot machines. She and Bill were devoted fans of the Phoenix Suns, holding season tickets and attending all the home games. Betty was an avid collector of Suns memorabilia. She and Bill were inseparable, and he was by her side when she passed.

Betty will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

She was a longtime volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans and was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her dedication. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans in her memory.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Marie "Betty" Rice, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, June 15, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85225

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Mass

Monday, June 16, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Mountain (no DST) time)

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

2312 E Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016

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Burial

Monday, June 16, 2025

11:15 - 11:45 am (Mountain (no DST) time)

Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery

2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

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