Alverna M. Rice's Obituary
Alverna M. Rice joined her heavenly family on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Muskegon. She was born on February 16, 1930 to August and Louise (Brach) Schamber in Conklin, MI, and resided in Muskegon since 1950. Alverna was a founding member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, belonged to the Women’s League and participated in many Bible studies. She took pride in her work as a florist for many years at Muskegon Floral. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, sewing, winters in Florida, her many years as treasurer for the Orchard View Senior Citizens club and activities with her friends at the Sanctuary at the Oaks. On September 22, 1950, she married Clarence Rice, Jr. with whom she spent 65 years together before Clarence preceded her in death on April 3, 2016. SURVIVORS include 3 children, Deborah (Kenneth) Luytjes, Bruce (Mari) Rice, Brian (Jennifer) Rice; grandchildren, Kelly (Ben) Lutz, Erin (Matthew) DeFouw, Eric (Jeannine) Rice, Jennifer (Rick) Murray, Brendan Rice, Jared Rice; great-grandchild, Ellie Murray; and sister, Norma Pieper of Sparta. Alverna was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Schamber and sister, Lorrene Anderson. A FUNERAL SERVICE for Alverna will be held on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (1215 E Apple Ave.) at 11:00 AM with Rev. Robert Conradt officiating. VISITATION with the family will take place on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 E. Apple Ave. (231-726-5210) and an hour prior to services at church. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. For a more lasting memory, the family asks you to look to either Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association for a contribution in Alverna’s name. The family also welcomes you to share your favorite memory at www.sytsemafh.com.
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