Linda Rice Obituary

Linda Frances Shelton Rice

September 29, 1951 - October 21, 2025

Linda Frances Shelton Rice, 74, of Altavista died Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Runk & Pratt of Forest. She was the wife of Jerry Lee Rice for fifty-three years.

She was born September 29, 1951, in Chatham, a daughter of Belvodean Crocker Shelton of Troy, IL and the late Leewood Shelton. Linda was a dedicated and passionate educator. Her various roles in Campbell County spanned over 35 years. Her career included being a fourth-grade teacher and Title I reading specialist while at Altavista Elementary School, working as a resource teacher in the administration building, being an assistant principal at William Campbell, and serving as principal at Gladys Elementary School. She served as a JV basketball coach at Altavista High School early in her career and often spent summers tutoring students. Linda truly shined during her time at Gladys Elementary School, serving as the proud principal for many years. There is no way to count the number of lives she touched during her varied roles in education. She was respected and loved and will be remembered fondly.

She found great joy in traveling and sightseeing, particularly enjoying scenic drives through the countryside with her husband, Jerry. During retirement, Jerry and Linda drove, flew, and cruised to destinations and always enjoyed their time together. Linda loved spending time at the beach with her family during summers. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two daughters, Beth Rice Shelton of Forest and Jenny Rice Powell and her husband, Josh of Evington; one sister, Celia Stern and her husband, Tim of Troy, IL; four grandchildren, Madelyn, Claire, Jay and Jordan; Bryan Shelton, father to Madelyn and Claire; a host of nieces and nephews; her sister-in-law who considered her a true sister, Joey Ann Hudson; and her dearest lifelong friend, Janet West. The family would like to send a special thank you to Teresa Russell and Janet West who helped Jerry care for Linda in the home during her battle with dementia.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider the Alzheimer's Association, 1010 Ednam Center, Suite 203, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Please visit the online tribute at www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com to share a memory or send a condolence to the family.

Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service

809 Main Street, Altavista, VA 24517