Obituary of Marlene Ruth Rice

Marlene Ruth (Bowser) Rice, 89, of Sterling, VA, passed peacefully on January 29, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband Harold, daughter Melanie Sisson, and siblings Zane Bowser, Alfred Bowser, Althea Mason and Norma Jean Lucy. She is survived by her daughter Vanessa Rice (husband Louis Rokas) of Melbourne, Australia and grandchildren Valerie Sarwark (husband Nicholas Sarwark), Bradley Sisson (wife Lynsey Steele), Hillary Priebe (husband Adam Priebe), Andrew Rokas, and  god-daughter Cathi Bowles as well as 8 beloved great-grandchildren (Ruth, Joel, Ava, and Zane Sarwark, Alexandra and Madison Sisson and Dylan and Blake Priebe).

Relocating from their hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1963, Marlene and Harold Rice were one of the first families to make Sterling their home, moving next door to life-long friends, Ken and Mary Alice Carlson. Marlene took great pride in raising her daughters and grandchildren in the community. She was a member of the Sterling United Methodist Church since 1963, serving as a Sunday School teacher for many of those years. Marlene was employed at the United States Geological Survey until her retirement in 1987. In her later years, she worked part-time at Rolling Ridge Elementary as a beloved “lunch lady.”

The family will receive friends at the Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170 on Monday, February 6 from 5 - 8 pm. A funeral will be held Tuesday, February 7 at 11 am at the funeral home with burial to follow immediately after at Sterling Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department.