Obituary of Jean C Rice

LITTLE FALLS - Jean C. Rice, 80, formerly of State Route 5S, Little Falls, NY (Town of Danube) passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at the St. Johnsville Nursing & Rehab. Center where she has been a resident since January of 2011. She was born on April 13, 1936 in Little Falls, the daughter of the late Bayard and Grace (Sweet) Pettengill, stepdaughter of Helen Pettengill. She was educated in the Little Falls School system where she established lifelong friendships with some of her classmates. On August 3, 1957 she was united in marriage to her husband of 48 years Gerald A. Rice at the First Baptist Church, Little Falls. Gerald predeceased her on June 22, 2004. A member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls, she served as a Deacon and Chairwomen of the WELCA. She also taught Sunday school and was a member of the Little Falls American Legion Auxiliary. She was a Den Mother and committee member for various units of the Boy Scouts of America, and a Fresh Air Child Sponsor for nine years. She was a great seamstress and active in the Peacemaker Quilt Guild, and Founder of the local chapter of Project Linus. She was an avid gardener who found her greatest joy raising her family. She was a proud member of a great group of ladies; first in Home Bureau, later the Chat and Chew club who have supported each other throughout their lives. She is survived by her sons, Timothy B. Rice and wife Elaine, Niskayuna; Mark S. Rice and wife Cathy, St. Johnsville; and Carl G. Rice and wife Michelle, Town of Glen. She was predeceased by her son, Allan L. Rice on January 8, 2008. She is also survived by her brothers, Frederick Pettengill and Janet Johnson, Salisbury; and Bayard Pettengill, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Stone Aribia; and her sister, Ethel McKusick and her husband Thurston, Town of Mohawk. Her grandchildren Carol Rice-Comeau and husband Daniel; Katherine (Rice) Freeman and husband Adam; Elizabeth Rice, David Rice, Daniel Rice and wife Lila; Jennifer Blair and husband Kevin; and Gage, Samantha, Victoria, and Isabella Rice. Several great grandchildren Kevin and Helene Blair; Sophia and Nora Rice; Lynk, Kittly, and Kaiden Freeman, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10:00 am from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 512 E. Gansevoort Street, Little Falls, NY with the Rev. Joseph Famulare, Pastor officiating. Interment will take place in Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 5-8 pm and to attend the funeral services on Thursday morning. It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mrs. Rice be considered to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 E. Gansevoort Street, Little Falls, NY 13365 or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 32 W. Main St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose. All are invited to celebrate her life following the interment at the St. Johnsville Benefit Club Crum Creek Road.