Rochelle Vellella Rice

Rochelle Vellella Rice. 87, passed away on May 22, 2015, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND. Rochelle was born on May 13, 1928 in Gilbert, MN, the daughter of Anthony and Christina (Giombetti) Vellella. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1946. On September 7, 1947, Rochelle was united in marriage to Curtis Rice at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hibbing, MN. She worked as a Secretary for Merchants and Miners State Bank and later founded Rice Industrial Supply with her husband, Curtis. She was an accomplished seamstress, gracious hostess, and an extraordinary cook. Her recipes have been handed down to her children and grandchildren and will be cherished by many generations to come. Rochelle and Curtis moved to Sun City West, AZ in 1993, where they enjoyed retirement to the fullest. Rochelle was active in both Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hibbing, MN and The Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, AZ She is survived by her children: Dennis Rice, Diane (Jay) Gunderson and Debra (Gary) Jensen; Grandchildren: Sheri (Jon) Cone, Jamie (Roni Lynn) Sperle, Nicole Sperle, Jessica and Jacob Gunderson, Carrie (Joel) McDonald, Melissa (Paul) Rafferty and Tina (John) Simberg; Great grandchildren: Hannah and Natalie Greaves, Evelyn and Joshua Sperle, Abbey & Ayden McDonald, Anna and Cal Rafferty, Jack and Lucas Simberg; Brother: Vincent Vellella, Brother in-law: Al (Leah) Rice, Sister -in-law: Patsy Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, daughter-in-law, Nancy Rice and sister Leta Flowers. Funeral Services will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing, MN on Monday, June 1, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be for the hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be at a later date at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, AZ. Memorials ar preferred to Hibbing "TADA" Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol and Altru Foundation "Spin For Kids" benefiting children with special needs.