Mrs. Violet Hepler Rice, age 94, of Covington, died Thursday, September 24, 2009, at Brian Center Nursing Care, Low Moor.  She was the wife of the late Cyril Sanderson Rice, Sr.
   Mrs. Rice was born October 7, 1914 in Covington, the daughter of Hubert R. Hepler and Effie Wickline Hepler.  She was a graduate of University of Virginia School of Nursing, Class of 1937 and worked as a registered nurse at Alleghany Memorial Hospital and other area hospitals for many years.  Mrs. Rice was a member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church.
   Mrs. Rice is survived by three sons, Cyril S. “Sonny” Rice, Jr. and wife, Sarah of Hampstead, NC, Gary W. Rice of Covington, Monty G. Rice and wife, Julia of Cambria, CA; six grandchildren, Anne Reneé Soumeillant and husband, Max, Stephanie Kessinger and husband, Alex, Christopher Rice and wife, Sharon, Joseph Rice and wife, Claudia, Patrick Rice, Madeleine Rice; eight great grandchildren, Ryan Kessinger, Kendall Kessinger, Michael Kessinger, and Christian Kessinger, Cooper Rice, Kalin Rice, Andre Soumeillant, and Pierre Soumeillant.
   In addition to her parents, Hubert R. Hepler and Effie Wickline Hepler, and her husband, Cyril Sanderson Rice, Sr., Mrs. Rice was preceded in death by a brother, Randolph Hepler; a sister, Mary Ellen Tophan; and a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Rice.
   A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 28, 2009, at McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael C. Fleenor officiating.  Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
   Pallbearers will be Joe Wimer, Darfow Rice, Buzzy Eggleston, Howard Poague, Burton Parker and Gerald Gibson.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Garland Altizer, Darrell Crawford, members of the Circle #2 at McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church and registered nurses from the University of Virginia School of Nursing, Class of 1937.
   The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home.
   Those wishing to send condolences online, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.