Bonita Patricia (Cumby) Rice70, of West Charleston passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Bonita was born in Hopeall, Newfoundland Canada on August 2, 1943, daughter of the late Arthur and Mina Cumby. Bonita was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Mina Cumby, her sister Velma Allen, her brothers Vic and Howard Cumby, her grandson Ryan Berry, and her daughter Catherine Shepard.

Bonita grew up in Hopeall, Newfoundland Canada. At the age of 16 she met her lifelong companion David Rice, whom she married 3 months later. David was in the Navy and stationed in Argentia, Newfoundland when they met. Shortly after David's discharge from the Navy, Bonita moved back to the Rice family farm in Holland, Vermont. Bonita helped on the family farm where the first of their 6 children was born in 1963. After leaving the family farm they lived in several locations around the Derby area but finally settled in their home of 40 years in West Charleston. Bonita loved tending to her flower gardens, with her favorite flower being the geranium. She enjoyed spending time with her children and many grandchildren who brought her great joy. Bonita will be remembered for her home cooked meals and the pride she took in preparing for large family gatherings.

On August 28, 1960 she married David Rice who survives her.

She is survived by her sister Grace Cumby and companion West Canning of Greens Habour, Newfoundland Canada, her sister Jean Moore and husband Eddie of Blaketown, Newfoundland, her sister Cindy Cumby and companion Charlie Hottot of Macklin, Saskatchewan Canada, her brother Wayne Cumby of Kelligrews, Newfoundland and her brother Derrick Cumby and wife Jackie of Paradise, Newfoundland. She is survived by her son David Rice Jr. of Springfield, her daughter Lori Puckett and Fiance Buddy Johnson of South Carolina, her son Donald Rice and companion Cathy Rever of Derby, her son Christopher Rice and companion Travis Randall of Burke, and her daughter Deborah Gilbert and husband Stephen of East Montpelier. She is survived by her 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Freewill Baptist Church, 1232 VT Route 105, West Charleston with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Freewill Baptist Church of West Charleston, VT.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.