Norma Rice (Owen)

Norma Jean Rice (Owen), 88, of Hobbs, NM, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Hobbs Covenant Hospital.  Norma was born on November 16, 1933 (her mother’s birthdate), in Hudson, NM, to Hezzie and Eunice (King) Hobbs.

She married Leonard W. Rice, Sr. on February 26, 1955.  He proceeded her in death on July 30, 1981.  After being widowed for many years, she married Darien Owen on June 2, 2001.  He proceeded her in death on June 25, 2011.

Norma retired from the Hobbs Municipal School District after 30+ years of service.  She continued working for the Athletic Director watching over all sporting events.  She was a true fan of the Hobbs Eagles and the Hobbs Lady Eagles.

Norma was a long-time member of the Hobbs Senior Citizens, the Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the VFW.  She was an avid dancer, attending as many as four dancing events in one week (Hobbs, Lovington, Seminole, Andrews, and Artesia).  She always stated ‘dancing was the best exercise of all’.

The Greatest loves of Norma’s life were her Heavenly Father, her Family, her Friends, and her Dancing.  Her smile would light any room when she was in the presence of any one of the above.  We gain great comfort knowing she will be with her Heavenly Father and family.

Norma was preceded in death by both her father and mother, her first husband, Leonard Rice, Sr., three brothers, five sisters, and her second husband, Darien Owen.  She is survived by her son, Leonard Rice, Jr. and wife Mary Denise of Lovington, her daughter, Donna Springer and husband Alan of Hobbs, her grandsons, Justin Rice, Ryan Springer, and Colton Rice and wife Alyssa, her granddaughter, Shea Rice and husband Manuel, three great-grandchildren, Anya, Rilynn, August, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.