Marcella Marie Beck Rice Duncan, 97, of Rochelle, Illinois died Friday at Rochelle West Rehab Center, with her son Ed at her side. She was born May 15, 1911 in Rochelle to Adam and Minnie Brauer Beck.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Tuesday, April 28th at First Presbyterian Church. The Celebration of Marcella's life will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday April 29th at First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle.
Survivors include Marcella's two daughters, Donna Statdfield of Rochelle, IL& Judy Sassaman of Chillicothe, IL and two sons, William Edwin (Ann) Rice of Rochelle, ILand Jim (Patty) Rice of Freehold N.J., grandchildren Gary (Diane) Statdfield, John (Barb) Statdfield, Mary (Joe) Arpaia, Chris (Debbie) Rice, Lizabeth Rice, Joseph Rice, Mark Rice, Patrick Rice, Amy Hosler, Jennifer Gray, 16 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Marcella was preceded in death by William Edwin Rice (husband), Roy Duncan (husband), and two grandsons, Jim Rice and Nicholas Rice, and brothers Bill and Elmer Beck.
Marcella's first love was her family. She delighted in family gathers and reminiscing—from the Brauer reunions of years ago, the Statdfield gatherings in Rockford, the Dvorak Christmases for 20 years, her birthday celebrations-- to the gathering last summer to meet the latest great granddaughter Eliana.
However, she was also known for her love of music and dancing. She played the organ for 48 years at Kings Presbyterian Church and sang with the Choraliers ( a women's concert choir). Marcella sang at many weddings and funerals and was listening to music as she went to live with the Lord. She met her husband Edwin at a dance in Rochelle and continued dancing for many, many years. Other loves included her church involvement, crocheting, net-lace darning, and quilting. She was also very proud of working at D.J Stewart in Rockford from 1955 until 1970. Marcella was also a Rochelle Area Community Foundation member.
An elegant woman, Marcella will always be remembered for her perfectly coiffed head of white hair, its barrel curls lined precisely across the top of her head and her jewelry. Whether she was attending a church service, a family gathering, or simply running errands, she was always beautifully dressed with stylish accessories to match every outfit.
Marcella will always be known for her graciousness, kindness, and wittiness and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church Rochelle and Hub City Senior Center.
Burial will be in White Rock cemetery Kings, IL.