Ann Hodgkins Rice died unexpectantly on October 13, 2023, at her home in Prescott Valley. She was born November 24, 1947, Buffalo, New York the daughter of Earl L and Martha (Page) Hodgkins.

Ann grew up in various parts of Maine, including Bath, Orrington, and Brewer, where she graduated from Brewer High School. She then went to Gorham State College where she graduated in 1970 with a BS in education. While at Gorham she met Richard L Rice, and they married in 1969.

She was a teacher for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 3 years in Chinle and Pinon in the early 70's. She took a break for the birth of her two children, then returned to teaching and spent the next 21 years teaching kindergarten and third grade at Kinsey Elementary School. She loved teaching and reading. She loved to read and passed that love to her family, but to her students. She continued this love even after she retired, she was still able to assist school children get supplies and books through her volunteer work at the Assistance League of Flagstaff. Flagstaff was her home for over 40 years. She loved living in the mountains, and she loved the community. She created so many meaningful friendships during this time. She spent her retirement years traveling, spending time with her friends, family, and grandchildren. Family was very important to her. She was raised with many cousins along the East Coast and remained close with them all her adult life as well. Her grandchildren were her world, she was very active in their lives, she loved being "Nana" and was so thrilled when she became a "Great Nana". Her smile lit the room when she saw him.

She was very active in the Girl Scouts growing up, she went through all her youth, teens and young adulthood participating in Scouts. As a mother, she helped take turns as leader with her daughter's troop through elementary school and provided classroom space for her granddaughter's troop at Kinsey.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard L. Rice, Prescott Valley; daughter Michelle R. Rice of Carrabelle, Florida, and son Steven M. Rice and wife Kelly of Prescott Valley. Sister-In Law Susan P Hodgkins and family of Maine and Virginia, and grandchildren Rebecca, Kevin, Jacob and his wife Katrina, Ethan, Logan, and great-grandson Deacon. She was predeceased by her parents and brother William L Hodgkins.