Visitation
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Linda Ann Rice, 81, of Morganton, NC entered into eternal rest on November 11, 2022, after a long period of declining health. She was born July 12, 1941, in Amarillo, TX to the late Charles Leonard Ulm and Anna Ruth Ulm. They moved from Amarillo and raised Linda in London Mills, IL. She was the beloved mother of 7 children and 2 stepchildren.
Linda is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Larry Rice; 6 children, 2 sons, Mike Jensen (Kathy) and Jerry DeForest (Tina); 4 daughters, Mona Edwards, Ruth Huff, Sherry Horner, and Charlene Hurley (Doug); stepdaughter, Kelly Tullock (Joseph) and stepson, Timothy Runyon (Ila); 18 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her stepmother, Jo Ulm; 1 brother, Lennie Ulm; and 4 sisters, Delores, Mary, Diana, and Cindy.
Linda was preceded in death by one son, Dale DeForest Jr. and her parents, one grandson, Richard Horner; three sisters, Judy, Ginger and Jolene and one brother, Ray.
Linda worked and retired as a social worker for the State of Illinois for 25 years. She and her husband moved to Morganton in 2006. They loved going to estate sales and auctions and collecting antiques. They are members of El Bethel Baptist Church in Morganton.
Services for Linda are as follows: Visitation on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 3 pm - 5 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Funeral and celebration of life will be held at 11 am, Thursday, November 17, 2022 at El Bethel Baptist Church, 1669 N Green St, Morganton, NC 28655 with Pastor Justin Cunningham and Pastor Ron Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to El Bethel Baptist Church, 1669 N Green St, Morganton, NC 28655.
We will always carry her memory in our hearts.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I have just learned of Linda's passing. My sincere condolences to the Deforest family. I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish I could have met her.
Hey Grandma, I just want to thank you for never giving up on me and for yours and Grandpas belief in me. You showed me what love is. That's a lesson that I will carry forever. I hope I make you proud. I love you.
This is my beautiful mother who was loved beyond measure. She was such a strong and determined woman from a very young age. Giving birth to 7 children who she pretty much raised as a single mom. She worked hard to make sure we were always taken care of one way or another. She had a amazing mother our grandmother who was a big part in showing us strong ethics. She was blessed in meeting the love of her life Larry. She will be missed dearly but know she is in God's arms being held with love. Love you always mom, mona
I never got to meet Mrs. Linda in person but I did talk to her several times. She was super sweet and always willing to listen and help through hard times. You will be missed sweet lady. I shall keep your family in my prayers. Rest easy.
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was an amazing mom to us all at times. We will miss her forever as well! Sending Prayers to you all.
I love you always and forever mom.
Sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We are here for you we can do anything. Love you dear Michael & Stephanie Johnson
Our prayers and thoughts are with our with you all.
My deepest sympathy to you and family prayers for all of you. Dennis Franklin