Rhoda M. Rance

RHODA M. RANCE, age 90, of Little Rock passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, Feb. 15. Mom was a pioneer and an innovator. She was a retiree from Levi Strauss Co. She was the first black female hired in management during the early 1970's as quality assurance manager for over 15 years. She was also one of the first black supervisors to be hired at Kellwood Co. in the late 60's. She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for over 60 years until her declining health. Born Aug. 9, 1920, to Sid and Louella Sanders, the 7th of 8 children. Preceding her in death are her parents; one sister, Gertrude Cherry; daughter, Helen J. Watson; her loving husband of 35 years, Staff Sgt. Woodrow W. Rance. She is survived by one son, Edward Martin Jr.; one daughter, Patricia A. McCoy; niece, Doris McNair; nephew, Charles Mitchell; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; two very special friends, Sylvester Stewart Jr. and her care giver for three years, Latoya Robertson. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, Feb. 22nd at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark. To sign Mrs. Rance's online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.