Bettie Ruth Rice

Bettie Ruth Rice, age 91, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on August 17, 2026. She was born on March 20, 1935, in Gallatin, Tennessee, to the late Currie Dickson and Effie Bennett Dickson.

A lifelong resident of Sumner County, Bettie was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. She cherished spending time with her family and especially enjoyed shopping, gardening, and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was the heart of many holiday gatherings, where family and friends looked forward to her famous chocolate pie and boiled custard.

Bettie loved traveling alongside her husband of 59 years, Herbert Rice. Together they enjoyed trips with their Sunday School class and attending annual Korean War Veterans reunions. Her greatest joy, however, was the time spent with those she loved most.

In addition to her parents, Bettie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Rice, and her son, Charles Rice.

She is survived by her son, Terry Rice (Peggy), and daughter, Teresa Gibson; grandchildren, Destinee Crosby, Heather Janzen, Shane Gibson, Chad Rice, Lea Smith, and Shelly Locke; and great-grandchildren, Ruthie Crosby, Evie Crosby, Zed Janzen, Frankie Janzen, Axle Locke, Sydni Locke, McKenzie Locke, Madalyn Smith, Amelia Smith, Ben Rice, Kayleigh Rice, and Sophie Rice. 

She is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with interment following at 1:00 p.m. in Hendersonville Memory Gardens.