Pat Rice-Johnson

Funeral services for Pat Rice-Johnson, 92, of Knoxville, will be held Wednesday,
October 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Interment
will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 27,
from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In keeping with Pat’s wishes and her tremendous love for animals, the family
respectfully requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may instead be made to the
Marion County Humane Society.
Some people live extraordinary lives without ever considering themselves extraordinary.
Pat Rice-Johnson was one of those people. A modest, independent woman with a
lifetime of fascinating experiences, Pat never seemed to think there was anything
particularly remarkable about her story. To her, it was simply life, and she certainly made
the most of it.
Patricia Anne Parry was born on July 27, 1934, in San Francisco, California, to Alvin
Ray Parry and Hilda Helene Robbins. At just two months old, Pat was raised by her
maternal grandmother, Josephine Dehlinger, a beginning that would become part of the
story of a woman who would grow to be strong, resilient, and devoted to her family. Pat
affectionately knew her grandmother as her mother. Josephine had a remarkable story
of her own, having emigrated from Poland to Canada before eventually settling in San
Francisco. Growing up in the city by the bay, Pat developed the independence and
resilience that would serve her throughout her life.
In 1958, shortly after attending the parade welcoming the New York Giants baseball
team to San Francisco, Pat made a move of her own, settling in Knoxville, Iowa. She
married Larry Darwin VanBaale in 1959, and together they raised six children: Tom,
Patrice, Larry Jake, Denyce, Marvin, and Darwin, the twins being Darwin and Denyce.
Pat devoted herself to raising her children, providing love, strength, guidance, and firm
expectations. Her children knew the rules were meant to be followed, but behind her
firm hand was a mother who loved them fiercely, supported their endeavors, attended
their activities, and took tremendous pride in the people they became.
Following Larry’s death in 1971, Pat moved to Des Moines, where she began another
chapter of her life. She later married Jerry Rice in 1973. Together, they lovingly blended
their families, and Pat became a bonus mom to Tim, Diane, Sandy, and Danny. Pat
embraced this expanded family with love and care.
Pat made Knoxville her home, initially working for the city’s water department and later
as assistant to the city clerk. In 1972, she began what would become a particularly
interesting chapter of her life, joining the Polk County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy
sheriff. She began her career as a jailer and transported female inmates to correctional
facilities. During her 20 years of service, she earned the necessary certifications and
was entrusted with approving, authorizing, and signing gun permits throughout Polk
County. Her responsibilities also included teaching gun safety courses and providing
security for visiting entertainers and celebrities, including Johnny Cash and Red
Skelton. While others might have considered these extraordinary encounters, Pat took
them in stride.
Pat was deeply patriotic and held a special place in her heart for the men and women
who served our country. She was especially proud of the military veterans in her own
family and honored their service and sacrifices. Her love of country and pride in her
family’s military service were important parts of who she was.
Following her retirement from the sheriff’s department in 1991, Pat returned to
Knoxville, a community she loved. Never one to sit idle, she worked part-time as an
aquasize instructor at the Knoxville Recreation Center, where her Tuesday and
Thursday classes became known as “Pat’s Aquasize Floozies.” She also spent time
working with residents at West Ridge Nursing Home, enjoying their company and
bringing them little gifts.
Pat had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly cats. Her compassion for
animals was constant throughout her life and something she hoped would continue to
make a difference even after she was gone.
Looking back over Pat’s 92 years, there were certainly stories worth telling, from an
unconventional childhood in San Francisco to a career in law enforcement, encounters
with famous personalities, and the everyday adventures of raising a family. Yet perhaps
what made Pat so remarkable was that she never needed recognition for any of it. She
simply lived her life, did what needed to be done, served her community, and loved
those who mattered most.
Pat passed away on October 22, 2026, at her home in Knoxville. She will be greatly
missed by her loving family. Pat is survived by her children Tom VanBaale; Patrice
(Robert) Rice-Larimer; Larry VanBaale (Lisa); Denyce Turner; and Darwin VanBaale
(Kelly); as well as 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-
grandchildren.
Pat was preceded in death by her son, Marvin VanBaale; her stepson, Danny Rice; her
sons-in-law, Mike Turner and Tim Rice; and her husbands, Larry Darwin VanBaale, and
Jerry Rice.
Pat’s strength, independence, patriotism, and deep love for her family touched
generations. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.