Barbara Jane Rice

Barbara Jane Rice, age 72 of Shelby Twp., passed away on December 16, 2020.

Barbara was born on October 8, 1948 to Russell and Catherine “Kate” Crossman in Detroit, Michigan. As a young woman in 1969, Barbara would meet the love of her life and future husband, Thomas “Skip” Rice, while out with some friends at a local pool hall. They quickly caught each other’s eyes, and started to send letters and exchange telephone calls while Skip was away in the Navy. They married at St. Marys in Detroit, and moved to Virginia while Skip was still in the service. After his time in the Navy, Barbara and Skip moved back to the Detroit area. Together they raised two children; Kevin and Elizabeth. Barbara loved her family with a passion, and loved to interact and meet other people. She worked at Hallmark for several years, amongst other retail jobs, always enjoying her time meeting others and helping them with their needs. Barbara was known for being just a warm, caring, and welcoming person who gave the best hugs. She loved watching over the neighborhood children while raising her own. She had a gift for gardening, making anything grow outside. She brightened up the neighborhood with her beautiful blooms that she would dutifully plant every year. She also had a love of dragonflys. Barbara was also a proud, and loyal grandmother. Her family was her entire world.

She will be forever remembered.

Beloved wife of 49 years to Skip; loving mother of Elizabeth “Beth” Rice; dear sister of Ann (Robert) Stancer; cherished grandmother of Madeline, Grace, and Benjamin, and dear sister-in-law of Ruth (the late Jim) Lang. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her dear son Kevin Rice; parents Russell and Catherine; and sister Cathy (Gordon) Wiitanen.