Ardelle H. (Bridges) Rice, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Wednesday, December 21, 2016 in the home she shared with family.

Husband, Roger Rice, passed away in 2005. She leaves behind two sons; Roger Rice and his wife Nancy of Springhill, FL and Michael Rice of Sutton, two daughters; Sheila Leahy of Auburn and Diana Rice of Boston, six grandchildren; Megan Sadanowicz and her husband Adam, Bridget Sullivan and her husband Chris, Ashley Oliveira and her husband Luciano, Justin Rice, Jamie Rice and Jeremy Rice and his wife Deepa, 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her beloved cat Cassie. She was pre-deceased by two sisters; May Stone and Ruth Wheeler.

Ardelle, daughter of Fay and Bertha Bridges, was born in Clinton. She graduated from Clinton High School and composed the Class of ’43 class song, “On to Victory.” Married in 1946, Ardelle and Roger raised a family at their home on West Boylston St. in Worcester. She worked for the Department of Transitional Assistance for over 30 years. Ardelle was an accomplished pianist and seamstress, often accompanying her daughter’s recitals. She enjoyed sharing time and food with family, and traveled frequently with her husband before his death.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ardelle’s family on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 AM in the BRITTON-WALLACE Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A prayer service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.