Ida R. Rice
1925-2014
Ida Irene Rice was born June 14, 1925 in Marathon, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers. In August, 1946, she married John A. Rice and they moved to Midwest City, Oklahoma in 1952. They raised their children in Choctaw, OK and, when they all married, she and John retired at Snake Creek, Lake Tenkiller, OK. After John's death in August, 1988, Irene relocated to Orlando, FL where she was a part-time administrative assistant for Campus Crusade for Christ, alongside her son, Marshall.
She enjoyed life there. She is fondly remembered for her great sense of humor, effervescent laugh and her servant spirit, doing whatever it took to bring joy into lives of others. Her little light shone wherever she went. She was a founding member of Vista Community Church in Orlando, FL and was an adopted mother and grandmother to many. Her group "The Ladies in the Slow Lane" prompted many a fond story and she lit up every time she spoke of their adventures.
Her only daughter, Valerie Ann Erickson, preceded her in death in December, 1999. In January, 2012, Irene desired to move back to Oklahoma, moving in with her family who so excitedly welcomed her and were thrilled to have her in their lives. Upon moving to the Edmond/Oklahoma City area in March, 2012, she enjoyed helping her family supply food and help for the homeless.
Irene is survived by Michael Todd Rice (Cindy) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Marshall Dean Rice (Judie) of St. Cloud, Florida; seven grandchildren: Matthew Rice (Kelly), Jonathan Rice, Bethany Spenn (Jacob), Rachael Irene Rice, Fern Eva Marie Pittman (Corey), Justin Rice (Kara) and Anna Rice, as well as ten precious great grandchildren. Irene was a longtime faithful supporter in prayer and love, of Drs. Teri and Daryl McCarthy, serving God in Vilnius, Lithuania. She loved Jesus and served him faithfully!
Some of her greatest joys were teaching loved ones how to water ski and make that perfect pie crust! After her health declined due to the stroke in October, 2012, doctors required her to move to Teal Ridge Assisted Living Center in Edmond, OK where she resided until her passing.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation and gratefulness to all the wonderful staff at Teal Ridge Assisted Living Center, Frontier Hospice, Pastor Bob Walker, Spring Creek Assembly of God, who welcomed her into his flock and cared for her as one of his 'children.'
As her health took a down turn, she was put on oxygen and when told by the nurse just last week to leave her oxygen tube in her nose or she would be ,"Seeing Jesus real soon" she replied, "I have my bags packed and I know where I am going." She made the trip, she's Home!
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following organizations:
Vista community church, Orlando, FL
Jesus Film project/campus crusade for Christ, Orlando, FL
City rescue mission, Oklahoma City, OK
Jesus house, Oklahoma City, OK
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014 at Garden of Memories in Vian, Oklahoma.
