Lola Grice 1930-2024

Lola Grice’s beautiful journey on earth ended at 2:43 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, in Tucson, Ariz.

Lola Grice, aka Ida Dolorita Baca Salas, was born at 6:15 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 1930, in San Francisco, N.M., with the help of her grandmother, Marcelina Baca, who was also a neighbor.

Lola was the youngest of six children, born to Alvino and Elvira Baca Salas.

She was preceded in death by four siblings, brothers, Santa Cruz, Didio and Alvinito; and sister, Crucita Ortega; her son, Charles Haskel; her grandson, James “Shane”Richardson; her husband, James Leemon; son-in-law, James B. Richardson.

She leaves behind her sister, Alice Hall; daughter, Gloria Jeanne Grice Richardson; son, James Alvin and wife, Donna Steele; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Tommie Grice; and many nieces and nephews.

Lola was an educator. She retired after 39 1/2 years; she was a teacher, teaching principal, religion teacher and reading specialist. Lola taught school with lots of love, caring, class and discipline not to mention lots of fun.

Lola came out of retirement to help her husband manage their pawn shop in Albuquerque. Lola also sold jewelry on layaway to all of her friends, family and acquaintances not to mention she also managed their rental properties in Albuquerque and Socorro. She was a perfectionist in all careers.

There simply are no words to describe the empty void she leaves behind in our family and all the hearts she touched in her 94 years.

Lola’s celebration of life will be held Friday, Nov. 8, with a Rosary at 2 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Annunciation, 2621 Vermont NE, Albuquerque.

A burial will be held at 4 p.m., at Gate of Heaven, 7999 Wyoming NE Albuquerque; a reception following at Daniels Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, where memories can be shared.