Walter Franklin Rice, 91, went singing into his heavenly home on Monday, October 19, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 15, 1929 to Russell and Vira Ocker Rice. He became the sixth generation to work the land on The Rice Farm west of New Pittsburg, using Belgian horses with his dad when he was young. He truly loved the outdoors and his farming vocation.
He graduated from Chester High School in 1947 where he was a good athlete and enjoyed roles in the class plays and musicals. He married his high school sweetheart, Eloise (Elly) Fasig on March 18, 1951, and they just recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary,
Walt was a faithful lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he generously served in many capacities: Church Council, Sunday School Teacher, numerous committees, and, his favorite, singing in the church choir. He served with the New Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Department for 60 years, with time as Captain, Fire Chief, and board president. He also served as secretary of the New Pittsburg Cemetery Association for 54 years. Walt served in many more capacities for his school and community because he was such a generous, dependable man.
Walt received many honors in his lifetime by serving his community including being awarded the Wayne County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1980, but his greatest reward was his family. He loved spending time with his devoted wife and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took an interest in all and made each feel special. He loved playing Bridge with friends and family, camping, and singing around the campfire. He took his family camping all over the United States through the years, making many special memories and friends.
Walt’s integrity, strong faith, and unconditional love were evident in all the ways he interacted with others. In work or in play, his sense of humor is legendary. There was never a dull moment with his teasing, fun pranks, and easy laughter. Yet, he was a good leader, and his sense of humor and lovingkindness made tasks much easier for those around him. Well done good and faithful servant.
He is survived by his wife; children Karen (John) Creasap, Sherry (Dave) Crumley, Joe (Kelley) Rice, Joni (Greg) Hagans, and Julie (Scott) Nolletti; 19 grandchildren; and 38 great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by an infant son Richard Roland (Ricky); granddaughter Olivia Peace Nolletti; sisters Grace McClure and Marjorie Chance; and in-laws, Rex and Gladys Fasig.
The family is very grateful for all the Hospice nurses and workers who were so helpful and comforting in Walt’s final days.
A family graveside service will be held at the New Pittsburg Cemetery. A Celebration of Walt s life will be held for all at a later date.
Memorial gifts may be given to the following: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Rd, Wooster; New Pittsburg Fire Dept, 3311 N. Elyria Rd, Wooster; New Pittsburg Cemetery Assoc, c/o Joni Hagans, Treasurer, 12250 Franchester Rd, West Salem; Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd, Wooster.
Arrangements are by the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
His Journey s Just Begun
Don t think of him as gone away
His journey s just begun.
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched ¦
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much!
by Ellen Brenneman.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial gifts may be given to the following: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Rd, Wooster; New Pittsburg Fire Dept, 3311 N. Elyria Rd, Wooster; New Pittsburg Cemetery Assoc, c/o Joni Hagans, Treasurer, 12250 Franchester Rd, West Salem; Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd, Wooster.
Service
Private family services with a memorial at a later date.
Visitation
No calling hours
To ALL the GREAT RICE FAMILY!
Elly, Karen(John), Sherry(Dave), Joe(Kelley), Joni(Greg), Julie(Scott) and ALL the GREAT FABULOUS Grandchildren, and the
Siblings for the Rice Family(Fasigs).
I have known you & Walt forever, and LOVED IT! I had Karen in my class and a best friend, plus Sherry 2 years later.
Then Sherry & Dave were here in Machias, MAINE to visit me!
Yes, you know I have had losses, and Walt is an enormous LOSS for you & for me! We must remember to think positive.
Walt is now up there with my parents. “Ap” & Walt are sharing stories, and ice cream (if Dad has any input, Barb will help),
PLEASE, WALT is NOW at PEACE with the LORD, and a GREAT MAN for ALL of us to know and place our faith in his TRUE
beliefs with GOD.
EVERYONE: READ this for WALT: Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
GOD’S LOVE, PRAYERS, and Blessings to all we have shared.
GOD’S LOVE!
Jim Appleman (MAINE), missing NEW PITTSBURG!
Elly: Still have Karen’s 5year birthday party! (Thanks)
My continued thoughts and prayers are with all of you ! A very special man whom I loved dearly and who will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. My heart aches today, but we are all reassured in that he is free from pain and rests in the glory of God. Love and prayers to his beautiful family.
Elly and everyone,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. There our no words to express our sorrow. Walt was such an integral part of our lives. Knowing he can now run around (he won’t be walking) paine free is a comfort to all. You have so many great memories to treasure.
You have our deepest sympathy. Walt was a great person, he will be missed, but always remembered. God bless Walt and the Rice family family
Gabe and family, you have our deepest condolences on your loss of who seemed like a great man. Gabe, I see where you get “it” from.
Elly and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
My very deepest sympathy Elly to you and your family on Walts passing. What a wonderful man he was and he will be greatly missed.
With love and prayers
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!
my deepest sympathy to Elly and your family, my recollection of Walt was at church when I (Kathy) was young and also singing in the choir
Very sorry to hear about Walts passing. Have known Walt at Elly for years and never saw Walt without a smile on his face. Know from experience how hard it is to lose o a soul mate. My prayers are with the family at this time.
Walt Rice Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Walt. I remember him from church and fire department. Also all of you since we grew up together. Sherry, Sunday school classes, confirmation, marching band and bring you home from band practice. Love all of you.
Roger and Lesley McKinstry
Our deepest sympathy to all on your loss. Our prayers to all.
To Sherry and Dave, Nathaniel, Gabe, Michaela (my 3rd grade students); Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father/grandpa. It sounds as if he was a special man who lived a wonderful life, and that must be a comfort to you. You are in my prayers. Love, Cherie Dever
Our deepest sympathies to Elly and family. Our connections go way back and it’s a sad time to have someone that I spent a lot of time with pass away. Many special memories will be with me forever.
Dear Ellie and Rice Family:
We were so sad to hear of Walt’s passing. He was a fine man who raised a wonderful family and was highly respected in his community. We extend our heartfelt sympathy in your loss. May God hold you all close and bring comfort to your hearts.
Praying for you all, Jim & Maxine
Thoughts and Prayers for Elly and the entire Rice Family.
Was so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. Always enjoyed our time in church choir and at church. He will be deeply missed by anyone who came in contact with him.
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Prayers for you and your family.
To All the Rice Family, While knowing for years what a great person he was to the New Pittsburg community we came to know Walt as a friend in recent years. He was “our farmer” renting our land. We always appreciated how well he maintained it not only the crops but mowing the waterways. We, too, always saw a smile on his face & Ken enjoyed visiting with him. May your many loving memories help to sustain you during this difficult time & may you feel God’s presence with you. Our sincerest sympathy. Ken & Kathy
To Elly, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren –
What sadness we felt upon hearing the news of Walt’s passing, yet what joy it has been to relive memories of him and his family. Walt was a man who truly lived his faith, modeling the very character of Christ Jesus – loving, caring, merciful, trustworthy, joy-filled, and compassionate. He and his beautiful family greatly blessed our entire family during our eleven years serving the people of St. Peter. After over twenty years away, we still miss you all and pray for you. During this time of grief when your emotions of sadness and joy intermingle, we intentionally lift you into the presence of our Holy Comforter and Healer while also giving thanks to Him for providing an avenue for Walt’s life and our lives to cross. Blessings and love to you all, Pastor Steve and Candy