Roberta "Beanie" Mae Rice

Beanie Rice (Roberta Mae Rice)

Age 80, of Logan Utah, passed away February 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Jasper, Texas, July 15, 1943 to John Kenneth Rice and Elva Mae Unger. 

To all who knew and loved her, Roberta was known as Beanie.  When she was 2 years old she would help her dad in the garden as he dug the furrows and put the bean seeds in.  She would come along behind him, push the dirt in, and stomp on it.  Her dad began calling her “My little bean”.  Over time, this turned into “Beanie” and became her lifelong nickname.

Her family moved several times during her childhood. Some of her fondest memories growing up were when they were living in Evergreen, Colorado. Her parents worked for Bendemeer Lodge, which also meant that she did too.  Although it was not a paid job for her, she enjoyed the work of helping to keep the lodge running smoothly.

Early on in her life, Beanie was quite shy and didn’t feel that she had many friends.  When she had three young children at home she thought, “If my kids want friends, I need to be an example and get friends too.”  From then on she made friends with everyone around her.  For every new person she met, she remembered their names and sought to make a connection. 

During her marriage to Paul Kronsted, they moved 23 times in 12 years, making this gift of building friendships incredibly important to her.

At 39 years old, Beanie was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She felt that the church answered questions she had about the meaning of life and filled the empty spaces in her heart. She served in many capacities and exemplified her great faith and testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of Beanie’s greatest joys in life was being a mom. This was evidenced not only by raising her own three children, but also by accepting and loving the 13 additional Lofthouse children when she married their father, James Lofthouse in June of 1983 in Avon, UT.  Beanie’s youngest child was 18, and James’ youngest child was 2. 

Throughout her life, Beanie led a life of love and service. She was a woman of many talents and frequently used them to bless the lives of others. She sewed, altered, and mended countless items of clothing including wedding dresses and full dress suits, decorated birthday and wedding cakes, bottled thousands of pounds of produce, and more!  Not only did she excel in these areas, but she also loved teaching others how to do these things.

Beanie obtained her Amateur Radio License in 1989.  She was actively involved with the local Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club activities, served on the BARC Board of Directors, helped to organize the “Ladies Net”, was a member of the YLRL national women’s amateur organization, and served on many committees including WIMU in 1992, and the first Utah Hamfest.

Beanie’s grateful attitude and enjoyment in spending time with loved ones shined through to the end.  The love and compassion from neighbors, friends, and family did not go unnoticed and has been a testament to the love and sunshine she spread to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Kenneth Rice, half-sisters Mina Jo Colvin and Marcia Ann Cooper, and son Frank Allen Kronsted.

Beanie is survived by her sister Sandra Kaye Sands; daughters Elaine Ann (John) Boyce, and Paula Suzanne Sands; their children and grandchildren; the Lofthouse children - Terry Joseph, Steven, Troy, Travis, John, Russ, Bryce, Nicole, Nissa, Cheryl, Casey, Becky, Amy; and their children and grandchildren. 

Services will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 680 S 1250 W, Logan UT, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 and the funeral at 11:00. Interment will be in the Paradise Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com

TO VIEW THE FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE