Edna Sylvia Rice
Married Name: Edna Sylvia Robinson
Born: 1900
Died: 2002
Father: Edwin Rice
Mother: Sylvia Lovina Drake (Rice)
Edna was born in 1900 in Victor, Idaho, and as a child moved to Province City, Texas, near Houston. At 6 she was playing piano by ear and accompanying and singing in grade school. She took music lessons whenever she had the opportunity and received a certificate from the George B. David College of Music and Harmony.
When Edna was 17, she married Oliver Smith Robinson. They had four children, Rawl, Norma, Dean and June and twelve granchildren. Edna and Oliver were married 57 years before Oliver died in 1974. Edna died of natural causes at 102.
Edna played in various orchestras, bands and churches throughtout her life. While she was living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she began teaching piano lessons, being paid with butter and eggs. Edna later moved with her husband Oliver Robinson to Sheridan, Wyoming, where she played with the Sheridan Shrine Orchestra.
In 1946 she moved to Belle Fourche where she continued to entertain. She frequently performed at the Senior Center's Belle Fourche Health and Nursing Center and played with the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band. In November, 1992, Edna was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame. She said at the time that even at 92, she "practices daily." 
 
Edna, Circa 1950
Edna, 100 years young!
Edna's grand-daughter, Lisa Kuzara, recalls the following memories about her amazing grandmother.
"Grandma loved her garden, her cats, singing and her organ. We often visited in the summer during my childhood and every year I would wander through every corner of her garden and watch her as she watered and tended to every plant. She would point out each one, telling me the history of that one and what made it grow. Her flowers were huge, especially to a young child. And Grandma loved her jewelry. The more it sparkled, the more she loved it. And her hats. She loved getting a new hat and gave me her collection the last time I saw her! I still have wonderful memories of dressing up with her hats and the amazing jewelry she kept on her dressing table in her bedroom.
Edna's 100th Birthday Celebration
Every 4th of July, she made sure that all the grandchildren had sparklers, firecrackers and a small fireworks display. Every birthday she made sure we were remembered with a birthday card and check. Every Christmas there were always specials "grandma" packages filled with clothes of all sorts and pj's. We always knew she loved us.

Every morning, grandma had a special song she sang for her cat, who adored her and was always nearby. My favorite memory is of Grandma playing her huge organ. To me, it seemed like a pipe organ. She would "fix it up" with just the right mixture of sounds. And then she'd fill her house with the sound of her organ. She always played cheerful tunes and I marvelled at how her short legs would move around on the bass pedals on the floor. It looked to me like her whole body was making music.

Edna and Grand-daughter Lisa Kuzara, Summer 1992
I did end up playing the piano for many years. I would bring my music to Grandma's house and play my childish tunes for her and she was always so proud that her music legacy lived on in at least one of her grandchildren. Later, I also took some voice lessons and began singing concerts at nursing homes, remembering my grandmother's legacy. The last time I saw her was in 1992 when grandma was 92. She was still living at home, although it was a smaller house than the one I remembered. 

I'll never forget how much fun we had making music together. Grandma played "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca while I sang the words. She watched me so intently. It was such a special moment between us.  Grandma I love you.  I will always miss you. ♥