"Lola was a treasure. I was blessed to find her as a hairdresser when we moved to Clear Lake 3 years ago. She had a great concern for others and always helped where she could. I'll miss my friend. "
In loving memory of
Lola M. Rice
June 13, 1939 - February 4, 2020
Lola Mae Rice, 80, passed peacefully with loved one's by her side on February 4, 2020 at North Iowa Hospice.
Lola was born on June 13, 1939 in Tama, Iowa by her late parents Edward & Florence Prusha. Lola attended School of Cosmetology, which resulted in her teaching at Gerald's School of Hair Design and Cosmetology where she was trailblazer in developing and apprenticing hairdressers. On January 18, 1980 she opened her Salon in Plaza 210~Hair Directors Studio and after developing a premium clientele she opened the studio in her home. She was icon in her industry, a self made, highly respected salon owner & hairdresser. Lola Mae was a giver! The woman gave everything she had, to her clients, her friends, family and many more! She loved Jesus and she loved her family; she is quoted in saying many times; "I get my joy of life thru my children"❤.
Lola was a very involved animal advocate. Once saving many farrow cats. In her spare time she enjoyed volunteering at The Pioneer Museum.
She is survived by her son Steven B. Griffith Jr., daughter Gina Dornbier (Damon), and son Arthur "Ace" Rice Jr. (Jessica Hansen). Her four legged protector Gracie. Sisters: Darleen Hofer, Marshalltown, IA, Gail (Robert) Hall, Minnesota. Grandchildren Amber (David) Wiede; Kendra (Ted) Peterson; Kali (Jan) Posten; Bruce M. Gjetley Jr.; Brandy Kaiser, James "JP" Olszewski, Amanda Olszewski, Stephanie Griffith, Samantha Griffith, Elizabeth Mae Rice & Tanner Charles Rice, Mason Griffith, Greyson Olszewski, Hailey Kaiser, Caleb Kaiser, Alexa Olszewski, Tyler Olszewski; Great grand Baby Charlotte; Cheyenne Gjetley and Many Loyal Clients & Friends.
She was proceeded in death by her daughter Kim Gjetley (sadly 48 hours earlier); Parents Edward and Florence(Papesh) Prusha; Sister Louise Prusha; Brother Eugene Prusha; Longtime Friend, Neal Shane.
An informal Celebration of Life for local friends and family is scheduled this Saturday (2/15/2020) from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm pool side at the Best Western in Clear Lake, Ia.
A fantastic Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 16th, 2020, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Best Western in Clear Lake. This will be a formal gathering of all friends and family and will serve as a much easy travel time for those not in the immediate area.
Big hats like my mother enjoyed are highly encouraged and remember her favorite color was Orange; and she liked fancy, fancy, fancy.
Tributes
"I remember Lola from Tama High School days. She was a true beauty inside and out. "
"Oh my precious Lola, I will miss you deeply. 24 years ago I called you up on the phone and made my first haircut & pedicure appointment with you. What I didn't know is how that one, single appointment would change my life! You became my Mentor, my Second Mom,My Best Friend. We traveled to Hair Shows, dined out, laughed, cried and LOVED every minute of sharing time together. YOU brought me GREAT joy! You could light-up any room or classroom we attended! You were opinianated and wise. You were incredibly funny and one of a kind. There's a beautiful redhead in Heaven. One who Is soaring with the Angels & at Peace. Lifes struggles surrounded Lola just like therest of us, but Lola always continued on with grace. Your teachings were golden. I will forever be grateful for meeting such an Icon in our industry. Noone will ever cut a head of hair like my Lola! I teased you what I will do when you aren't able to do my hair someday....you shrugged and said....I DON'T KNOW.....neither of us wanted to find out! "
"Lola, you'd slap me if you were here to hear me say that I have not had a haircut since Gina cut it 10 years ago. You crafted a daughter who learned your skills but still had her own artistic treasures. That's what good moms do! You know I have not pursued the material things, but I have a backpack and, it is filled with treasures called memories. You have a special pocket in it and it overflows with so, so many fun recollections and experiences. We have laughed, hugged and cried. Your family has been, and will always be, a beautiful chapter in my life. You left too quickly and too soon. Now, with others, I grieve that we will not make more of those memories. Thank you for making the ones that remain a gift to my soul. May the peace and comfort of God's love be your resting place and may we all share it together in an eternal song of harmony. Hugs to you, Steve, Ace and Jessica, Gina and Damon, Rob and Gail (we need to get together) and all of your extended family."
"My cousin ,Lovely Lola Mae was a very big influence in my career choice and she was an important part of why I chose to be a hairdresser , Instructor of Cosmetology, and Self Owner of my Salon!?. She was a ?mentor? of mine growing up and still looked up to her ast experience and wisdom of the latest trends and styles. She was one ?Classy Lady?! Most of our relatives all showed respect fir her. It was said, Sheblooked a lot lik ? Angie Dickinson ? and was even prettier!? Lola led our family to the place where Buddy Holly and Richie Valens and Big Bopper died. She took us all around town and always showed her Sweet Hospitality to anyone that would drive down to see her. She was such a Beautiful Gem in all of our lives.. and will sadly miss her forever and will avecacSpecial place in my and my family?s hearts forever!??????"