Linda Gail Rice

Linda Jewell Rice, 82, of Roanoke County, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Born October 10, 1943, in Roanoke, Va., she is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Gertrude Adams and her son, Perry L. Rice. Linda was a simple person who loved family, being home crocheting and watching a good movie. Her link to the outside world was her "tablet." Wherever you went in life, her only request was that you post pictures and then she would ask, "Did you see on the tablet..." Linda was a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother "Granny Rice". Her chosen career was one of a loving caregiver for many children of working parents across the Roanoke Valley, who she lovingly nurtured within her home. She is already missed and dearly loved by all who knew her. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Paul S. Rice, Sr.; four daughters, Carla (James) Laffoon, Pam Carter, Robin (Kevin) Tate and Lois (Steve) Lail; son, Paul Jr. (Yani) Rice; brother, Thomas (Paula) Adams, whom she dearly loved. She was the best "Granny Rice" to 12 grandchildren: Amy Flinchum, Trevor Laffoon, Nik Carter, Dylan Carter, Lance Tate, Lindsey Tate, Amber Boyd, Thomas Lail, Austin Lail, McLane Lail, Priscilla Perry and Gabriel Gonzalez and Ryan Rice; and loved dearly by 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, Reba (Danny) Smith, Henry (Lynn) Rice, Sharon (Bobby Huffman) Carbaugh and Mark Rice; as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends. The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Don Godforth officiating. Interment immediately following in Cedar Lawn Burial Park, Roanoke. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.