Carmi Times Tue Aug 04, 2009 Carmi, Ill. - Emily Rice Blades, 92, Carmi, passed away at 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009 at the Deaconess Hospice Care Center in Evansville, Ind. She was born May 1, 1917 in Carmi, the daughter of Theodore "Dode" and Ruth (Sallee) Hatcher. She married Hal Hayward Rice in 1937, and he preceded her in death December 7, 1964. She married Stewart Pearce March 9, 1969, and he preceded her in death March 5, 1972. Sometime later, she married Gilbert "Star" Blades, and he preceded her in death April 19, 1983. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carmi and a homemaker. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Jim Spooner of Woodstock, Md.; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert H. and Paula Rice of Louisville, Ky.; and one grandson, Robert Houston Rice Jr. She was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Hatcher, and a brother, John Theodore Hatcher. The family would also like to thank her caregivers and nurses, Phyllis Browning, Dora Owen, Shirley Dartt, Stephanie Fortner and Martha Cox, as well as many friends who provided so much companionship, love and support through her last few years. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 at First United Methodist Church at Carmi, the Revs. C. William Fechtig and Gary Feldman officiating. Burial will be at White County Memorial Garden near Carmi. Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, which is in charge of arrangements.