Rozella Rice

Rozella Peterson Rice, born in Cheyenne, was the second daughter born to R. Glenn Peterson and Ida Elizabeth Hintze. She died October 19th, 2023 of stage IV breast cancer diagnosed 32 years after her original diagnosis. Services will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 18th at 11 a.m. and will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Rozella was in the last graduating class from Cheyenne High School and was 7th scholastically in her class of 400 students. Rozella then entered St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Denver graduating first in her class with scholastic honors. She was also chosen Colorado Student Nurse of the year for 1961. Rozella continued her nursing education earning a B.S. Degree from the University of Wyoming and a Masters Degree in Family Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. Rozella was one of the few nurse practitioners first licensed in the State of Wyoming.

Rozella served Laramie County School District as a school nurse for 29 years. During this time Rozella was active in the Wyoming School Nurse Association, serving as Legislative Chairman. She, along with Sally Jo Prigee and Judith Randall, assisted the State Health Department lobbying for the passage of the School Immunization Law. For this, Rozella was chosen Wyoming School Nurse of the Year for 1989. Rozella also earned an associates degree in Homeland Security from LCCC which was helpful in her role as Chairman of Emergency Management for Johnson Junior High. She then entered into "Healthy Families Succeed" in which she helped families with health care needs while other professionals helped them to complete their education and find jobs. During this time Rozella completed coursework for Parish (faith-based) Nursing and volunteered to serve members of her church who were unable to attend services. She volunteered for 9 years and followed some by telephone when she could no longer do visitations.

Rozella was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Glynette Peterson Nix and Eileen Peterson Svare Baca. She is survived by sons Steven C. Rice and his three daughters and Kevin E. Rice, sister Sherry Peterson, nephew Jon Robert Svare, and cousin Henry Masonier.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – was the motivation Rozella used for all the challenges in her life.