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Jolene Marie Lake Rice passed away peacefully on February 17, 2015 in Herriman, Utah, with her devoted husband at her side. Jolene was born in Ogden, Utah on April 24, 1948 to George Halvor Lake and Aileen Taylor Lake, the oldest of three children. One of her favorite childhood memories was playing baseball in the front yard with all the kids from the neighborhood, her dad at the pitcher’s mound. He taught her to include everyone and to love sports, something she continued to do throughout her life. Jolene graduated from Jordan High School in 1966 and went on to attend Brigham Young University, where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Health Science. While at BYU, Jolene met Charles David Rice, whom she would marry in the Salt Lake Temple on June 10, 1970.
Chuck and Jolene were parents to three children, Cynthia Ann, Kerrilee Marie and Kevin David. They raised their family in Sandy, Utah, where Jolene spent her time as a devoted stay-at-home mom, volunteering in school classrooms and shuttling kids to lessons and practices. When all of her kids were in school full-time, Jolene began working as a teacher’s aide at East Sandy Elementary (where her son attended). She spent five years working there and enjoyed working in education so much that she returned to college and received her Mild and Moderate Special Education Certification and began teaching special education at Rolling Meadows Elementary in 1996. She had a passion for teaching and a unique ability to connect with her students and help them succeed. Her work led to many district awards commending her for her excellence as a teacher.
Chuck and Jolene began their role as grandparents in 2000 and thoroughly enjoyed being with their grandchildren. They frequently traveled to visit and spend time with each of their 10 grandchildren. Jolene was especially fond of family traditions, from summer trips to Lake Powell to Christmas Eve sleepovers, complete with matching pajamas. She made sure to carry these traditions on to her grandchildren.
Due to serious health issues, Jolene retired from teaching in 2010. Her life changed drastically overnight and despite the great physical challenges she faced, she was determined to overcome them. Despite her paralysis and being confined to a wheelchair, she continued to teach through donating her time and expertise to tutor kids who struggled to learn to read.
Jolene was a woman of incredible faith and was a faithful member of the LDS church. She served the Lord in many capacities, but particularly enjoyed serving the sisters of Relief Society, as a family history consultant and in the young women’s girls camp and sports programs.
Spending time in the outdoors was one of Jolene’s favorite things. She had a reverence for nature and all of its beauty. She enjoyed accompanying Chuck on his fishing expeditions and even learned to fly fish. While fishing was a fine use of time, she would often find a cozy place to sit and take up a pencil and paper and draw. She also enjoyed waterskiing, four-wheeling, hiking and camping.
Jolene is survived by her faithful companion, Charles David, her children Cindy Powell (John), Kerri Walker (Matthew) and Kevin Rice (Amber) and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Aileen Taylor Lake, her sister Connie Allen (Timothy) and brothers Brent Lake (Sheri) and Douglas Walker. She is preceded in death by her father George Halvor Lake.
The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the many ward members who dedicated weekly service in her behalf. Their companionship and service were a tremendous gift that will never be forgotten.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, February 24 at 11am at the Hamilton Ridge Stake Center 5562 W. 13680 S. Herriman. A viewing will be held on Monday, February 23 from 6 to8 pm at Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 S. 2200 W. Riverton and on Tuesday morning at the Stake Center from 9:45 to 10:45 am prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to Neuroworx, a physical therapy center specializing in spinal cord-related injuries. https://neuroworx.org/drupal/donate
