of Conway, AR
July 24, 1952 - September 23, 2025
Marion Jean Rice Carlton of Conway, Arkansas, age 73, passed away at Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Conway, Arkansas on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025. She was surrounded in spirit by family and friends who held her in their hearts and in their prayers.
Marion was born on July 24th, 1952 at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas to Eugene and Bertha Tyler Rice of England, Arkansas and Tomberlin in South Lonoke County. Marion graduated from England High School and Hendrix College, Conway.
Marion was not afraid of hard work, whether it was in the farm fields chopping or picking cotton as a child or successfully managing the family farm trust as an adult. As were many born in that era, Marion was a big fan of Elvis Presley. Her college friends were amazed as she imitated his mannerisms with gusto and sung the lyrics without fail to his most popular songs. Marion loved all animals, particularly the dogs that Marion and Monroe welcomed into their home throughout their 46-year marriage. She was an Arkansas state employee with 30+ years of service and was acknowledged many times for her work ethic that led others to give their best.
That same dedicated spirit was true of Marion's gardening and home construction projects, as well as the care she and Monroe gave to their beloved dogs. In addition, Marion was an accomplished pianist, having begun playing piano as a child at Tomberlin United Methodist Church on Indian Bayou in Lonoke County or more recently at Round Mountain Community Church in Conway. Marion and Monroe enjoyed travel, whether it was a Sunday afternoon drive to check the progress of family farm crops near Gethsemane, AR or traveling down to Florida to check out Mickey Mouse.
Marion's family includes husband, Monroe Carlton of Conway; sister, Grace Ellen Rice of Little Rock; brother, Jerry Rice (Kathy) and daughters, Miranda, Meredith and Mandy of England, AR and cousins, Henry Rowlan (Win) of California and Fred Rowlan (Terri) of Little Rock.
We treasure the memories of Marion's presence in our lives and appreciate the love and dedication that her friends have shown to her over the years, especially during her lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
A Memorial Service will be at 10:00am Monday, September 29, 2025 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway. Interment will follow the service at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
Remembrances in Marion's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Arkansas Chapter at http://www.alz.org or to Marion and Monroe's favorite charity; the Humane Society of Pulaski County.
I so sorry to hear of Marion’s passing. She was sweet, funny and beautiful.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. We grew up around the corner from each other and played together all the time as kids. I talked to Marion a few years ago But had no idea she was sick.
Sincere condolences. we will miss you
Rest in peace, we will miss you
Grew up with Marion at Coy AR. So sorry to hear about her loss.
We are so sorry for your loss Monroe. We are blessed to have known Marion.
So sorry to see of Marions passing. Thought a lot of her, she was a fine person. Condolences to all. Cindy Bradley