Rice, Lezley Leigh

Lezley Leigh Rice, 37, of Narrows, died suddenly Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 21, 1975 in Charlottesville, Va. Lezley graduated from Narrows High School in 1993, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball, and was president of the Student Cooperative Association. Lezley was a true animal lover. She never met a cat she didn’t like. Her dog, Bell, and her many cats were never far from her side. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Francis and Geraldine Rice; an uncle, Donnie Rice; her beloved Papaw, Alva Blankenship; her great-grandmother, Macie Blankenship, where at her side, Lezley will be laid to rest; and her great aunt, Rissie Hughes, who held a special place in Lezley’s life. Lezley is survived by her parents, Robert and Beverley Rice; her brother, Rodney Rice and wife, Lesa; and her grandmother, Lorene Blankenship, all of Narrows; her uncles and aunts, Leonard and Sara Kay Gunter, of Radford, Bernard and Mary Blankenship, of Narrows, David and Joan Blankenship, of Midlothian, and Dr. William and Beth Copenhaver, of Dayton, Ohio. She was known as “Bubba” to her nephews, Logan and Nathan Rice. She is also survived by cousins, Katie Copenhaver, Rachel Blankenship, Carrie Blankenship, Noel, Stephanie and Elizabeth. Lastly, she is survived by the love of her life, her big surprise, her “Mini-Me,” her 15 month old daughter, Alivia Leigh Rice. Lezley was a warm, loving, dedicated mother who marveled at the delight that Alivia brought to her life each day. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service, at Lezley’s request, will be held Monday, July 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider Giles County Animal Rescue; P.O. Box 354; Pearisburg, Virginia 24134. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, 540-726-2442 and online at riffefuneralservice.com.