Elizabeth "Betty" Carol Rice

Elizabeth “Betty” Carol (Bluto) Rice, 78, born July 8th, 1946, in Colchester, VT, as the first-born child to the late Francis Bluto who passed in 1983 & the late Constance Bluto who passed in 1988, has passed away on September 5th, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT with her brother and his wife beside her.

Betty was the matriarch and glue of the family. She was known as the “dancing queen” and enjoyed spending time at dance halls, bingo and casino slots and taking bus trips to Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. Betty married Ralph Rice, and they spent many happy years together until he predeceased her on May 10th, 2016. Her brother Larry and his wife Susan were by her side throughout her entire journey. They were her greatest blessing, as well as the families.

She is survived by her brother; Larry Bluto and wife Susan of Milton, sisters; Charlene Mallette of Oneonta, NY, Dielene Donley (predeceased by husband Charlie) of Essex Junction, Karin Brennan and husband Richard of Hyde Park, Nancy Bell Tangrandy and husband Joseph of Queensbury, NY, Connie Hoyt and husband James of Hanceville, AL, Cindy Pebler and husband William of Milton, God children Nancy Bell and Christina Bell, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

We would like to thank the McClure Miller Respite House for the compassion and care they showed Betty during her stay.

Visiting hours will be held at the Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm with a celebration of life beginning at 2:00pm at the Arrowhead Senior Center in Milton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating any amount in Betty’s name to the American Cancer Society here.