Helen May Ellis Rice

HELEN MAY ELLIS RICE

August 8, 1922 - September 9, 2014

Helen Rice, 92, passed away in Walnut Creek, California, on September 9, 2014 returning to her beloved family. She was a cherished mother and grandmother who deeply loved her family and friends.

The former Helen May Philpott was born and raised in Lindsay, CA to William J. and Artie Ann Philpott. She grew up on her family’s 80 acre grape farm during the Great Depression, learning the value of hard work and perseverance. She played the piano and saxophone, and rode her favorite pony, Spikie.

In 1944, she married the love of her life, Francis H. Ellis, and raised their family in Farmington, UT.  After Frank's death in 1979, she married Walter J. Rice in 1982 and moved to Sandy, UT. Walt passed away in 1998.

Helen loved to camp and fish, and she took every opportunity to share her love of the outdoors with others.

Helen is survived by daughters: Susan Arnoldus of Placentia, CA, and Joan Mitchell of Concord, CA, four grandsons: Michael Arnoldus of Ventura, CA, James Arnoldus of San Marcos, CA, and Ken (Brooke) Mitchell and Brent (Tia) Mitchell, both of Ashburn, VA.  She has 11 great-grandchildren: Aubri, Hannah, Zachary, Ashli, Ellie, Westin, Charlotte, Wiatt, Molly, Averi, and Alec Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters: Carrie Lion, Nannie Utz, and Sarar Philpott. Helen also joins an infant daughter, Beverly Ann.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2014 at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary 400 North Main Street, Kaysville, UT.  There will be a graveside service on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Farmington City Cemetery 500 S. 200 E. Farmington, UT. 

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com