Barbara McClain Rice

Barbara Louise McClain Rice, 81, passed away on March 24, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 23, 1943, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and is preceded in death by her parents, John Clifton McClain and Helen Louise Nicely McClain.

Barbara is survived and dearly missed by her husband of 62 years, Bobby Joe Rice, and her son Robert Joseph Rice and his husband James Nathaniel Witt, of Corolla, NC; sisters Sharon L. McClain and Susan E. McClain, both of Newport News, VA; nephew John McCleary (Ashley) and sons Jack and Arlie, of Charlottesville, VA; niece Meghan Cole (Gene) and sons Dylan, Bryson, and daughter Kaylie, of Windsor, VA; sister-in-law Sue R. McFarland of Virigina Beach; brother-in-law David N. Rice of Virginia Beach, sister-in-law Sandra R. Nozzarella (Nel) of Viriginia Beach, sister-in-law Evelyn R. Barras (John) of Port Townsend, WA; sister-in-law Debra G. Rice of Virginia Beach, and several nieces and nephews. Barbara will also be missed by her much loved "chosen" family comprised of her dearest friends Lois B. DeLoatche of Virginia Beach; and Judy and Billy Reid of Flintville, TN. Barbara is also survived by her cherished and loyal canine companion of 13 years, Bruno, and her beloved canine granddaughters Kate and Emma and feline granddaughter Annabelle.

Barbara grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, in the Ocean View area, and graduated from Granby High School in 1961. In 1958 when the Norfolk schools were closed, Barbara spent a very happy year attending school in her mother Helen's hometown, Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her beloved aunt and uncle, Anna Ruth and Bob Demmitt. Throughout her life, Barbara treasured this very special time she had in Ligonier and shared many wonderful stories about the happy times she spent with her mother's family, the Nicelys.

Barbara graduated from Old Dominion University in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. A devoted educator, she taught eighth grade history at Azalea Garden Junior High School in Norfolk and Truitt Junior High School in Chesapeake. Barbara also worked many years for her dear friend, the late William "Bill" DeLoatche, at his company Medical Business Counseling, doing accounting and bookkeeping.

In 1989, Barbara valiantly fought and survived ovarian cancer and had the blessing of being cancer free for over 30 years. Barbara loved music (one of her favorite groups was the Statler Brothers), books, gardening, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the beach. Over the years, she had many hobbies including knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and embroidery and she produced many beautiful works of art. She also loved traveling. Throughout her life she made several trips to Europe and enjoyed many, many camping trips with her husband Bobby and their wonderful friends, the late Shell and Gerry Bundy. Barbara lived in the Homestead neighborhood for 54 years and was a member and also served as president of the Homestead Woman's Club. She was also instrumental in starting the Homestead neighborhood garage sale which has become a treasured neighborhood tradition over the years.

Barbara's son Robert would like to express his sincerest thanks to Adeline Tisdale, RN; Jackie Gortney, LPN; and aide Erica Hardy with Westminster Canterbury Hospice for their amazing care and compassion during his mother's illness. Without their assistance, he would not have been able to fulfill his Mother's wish of spending her days at home. Robert would like to also express his heartfelt thanks to Barbara's wonderful neighbors in the Homestead neighborhood for their love and support throughout his mother's illness.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held in May or June, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to the American Cancer Society. See below for the link.