Rosalie Ann Rice

In Memory of Rosalie Ann (Marietti) Rice

Rosalie Ann (Marietti) Rice, 85, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rosalie was born in Morenci, Arizona, and proudly graduated from Morenci High School. She later attended Arizona State University and went on to spend many years as an elementary school teacher. Teaching was more than a career for Rosalie—it was something she truly loved. She was always especially touched when former students reached out to tell her how much she had meant to them and how she had made a difference in their lives.

Rosalie had a big heart, and that heart extended to her love of animals, especially dogs and horses. They brought her tremendous joy and were an important part of her life.

She also had a wonderful way of showing people she loved them: she fed them! Rosalie loved cooking and baking for family and friends. Her Chili Cheese Pie, Cherry Cheesecake, and Tom Thumbs were favorites, and sharing something she had made was one of the ways she showed her love and made people feel at home. For Rosalie, food was never just food—it was comfort, generosity, and a little piece of herself.

Rosalie also loved spending time with her family and making memories together. In April, she had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in Rome with her grandchildren, Emily and Abby. She thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the sights, the food, and most of all, having that special time together with her grandchildren. It was a beautiful adventure and a memory her family will treasure.

Rosalie is survived by her husband, Marshall; daughters Geri Newton (Royce) and Darci Strickler; granddaughters Emily and Abby Strickler; sisters Margaret and Elizabeth Marietti; brothers John and Steve Marietti; and many other relatives and dear friends.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, sorority sisters, former students, and the many volunteer organizations she was involved with. Rosalie’s kindness, dedication, sense of caring, and generous spirit touched countless lives. She had a way of making people feel cared for, whether

through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her.

There are no services planned at this time. A celebration of Rosalie’s life will be held later, and details will be shared with loved ones.

Rosalie leaves behind a lifetime of memories—and so many people who were lucky enough to know her, love her, learn from her, travel with her, and share in her love of animals. She will be missed more than words can say.