Wanda Beatrice (Rice) Lowe

Wanda Beatrice (Rice) Lowe, 93, of Rockford. Illinois passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022. Bea was born October 27, 1928, in Hoxie, Arkansas. She was the first of 10 children born to Roy & Catherine Etta (Carley) Rice. Bea married Henry (Jay) Lowe on June 13, 1948. They were blessed with 69 years together. She graduated from Hoxie High School class of 1946 as class President. Bea worked at Nylint Toys, Amerock and Anderson Packaging.
Bea loved to travel in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. She deeply loved her family and grandchildren. She was a very creative person and excellent cook. She faithfully attended First Assembly of God Church for more than 50 years.
Bea is survived by sons, Phillip (Dawn) Lowe and Richard (LaVonne) Lowe, daughter Karen (David) Rumer, siblings, John (Linda) Rice, Larry (Gloria) Rice and Judy (Dennis) Held; grandchildren Jason (Lindsey) Lowe, Brian Lowe, Rachel Lowe, Adam (Elizabeth) Lowe, David (Aileeah) Rumer and Alex Rumer; 8 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers LeRoy Rice, Keith Rice, Vernon Rice and an infant brother, sisters Pat Johnson and Sandra Hargrove.
The family offers special thanks to the staff at Independence Village, All Life’s Solutions, In Home Medical Group and Unity Hospice for the excellent care and support provided to our mother.
Service will be 2:15 pm Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation from 1:30 pm until time of service. Burial at Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.