Dawn Rice

Mary Dawn Rice was born on January 17, 1936, in Roosevelt, Duchesne County, Utah, to Clara Dina Crystal Hill and Hillard Ruben Broderick. Dawn had 18 siblings as follows; Verena Broderick Easton, Clifford Heber Broderick, Owen Hillard Broderick, John Howard Broderick, Clara Broderick Washburn, Lee R Broderick, Luelma Broderick Spencer, De Rae Broderick, Thomas Ruben Broderick, Jerrald Richard Broderick, Dee E Broderick, Elva Broderick Richardson, Dillard Spencer Broderick, May Broderick Swallow, Carol Lee Broderick Wilson , Roy Alfred Broderick, Kit Ruby Ann Broderick Allred, and Heidy Hilldra Fay Broderick. She died on April 4, 2021 in Sandy, Utah.

She married the love of her life, Vernon Perry Rice, on May 15, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they are the parents of 6 children; LaDawn Rice Zwahlen, LaRane Rice, LaRae Rice, LaVern Rice, Jerald Vernon Rice and Lyle Hillard Rice. They have 15 grandchildren, all of whom were influenced by the positive examples set by their grandma; Jon Zwahlen, Albert Zwahlen, Blake Rayl, Brad Zwahlen, Tim Zwahlen, Melissa Zwahlen West, Artumus (Arty) Esplin, Michael Zwahlen, Logan Esplin, Amy Zwahlen, Ashley Zwahlen, Adam Zwahlen, Jody Zwahlen and Hans Zwahlen and 23 great-grandchildren.

Family meant everything to Dawn. She raised her children and then was very involved in helping to raise her grandchildren too. This was such a priority that most of her last conversations were about the wellbeing and welfare of the members of her family.

Dawn loved to travel, and with her husband was blessed to see a good portion of the United States and some other parts of North America too; most of this in a motor home. Not only did they enjoy going on these trips, but they also loved planning, photographing, and remembering these trips. She also loved to boat. These are experiences that they shared with their daughters and many of their grandchildren.

Dawn worked for Beehive Clothing for about 17 years. Then she provided years of service in the Jordan River Temple.

Dawn was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities to include; a Sunday schoolteacher, Primary teacher and a visiting teacher.

During the last years of her live she suffered with Parkinson’s disease and it limited her activities and increased her suffering and then Covid added additional loneliness and restriction to her life. She was ever faithful and pleasant. When people would come and visit her, she would offer comfort and concern for their wellbeing. She faced these challenges like she faced all challenges in her life, with faith, courage, and a good attitude. These characteristics were not lost on her family and we strive to be more like her in these ways.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Sandy Health and Rehab for their professional care, and the compassion and dignity that their care allowed her in her last years of life.

Dawn will be sorely missed by all who know and love her.

A private viewing and funeral services will be held in light of current health concerns.

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