Jane Ellen Rice

Jane was born and raised in Hereford, Texas, where she grew up as a true southern farm girl. She learned to drive tractors and combines as a youngster and to this day had the confidence to jump right on one and take off. Caretaking for cats, kittens, cows, caves and horses in Texas, began her love for animals which lead to future dogs and cats in her own family life. She graduated from West Texas A&M University with a teaching degree and a minor in music. She also spent 6 months studying language in Mexico, where she met some UW friends which ended up being her gateway to the Northwest. Her love for learning language, music, and the arts carried through every season of her life.

A gifted artist, Jane filled her home with her own oil paintings, each one a reflection of her creativity and devotion to beauty that she appreciated. She was especially known for her remarkable ability to capture the light and warmth of Thomas Kinkade, whose works she could reproduce with stunning precision.

Jane was married to her lifelong husband, Gary Rice, for over 50 years. Together they lived their dream life, raising two children and teaching them to love the Lord. Their marriage was a shining example of a God-based union—always striving to be the best for one another, no matter what challenges came their way. While they resided in the Northwest, they spent every Christmas and weeks in the summer vacation time in Texas maintaining a firm relationship with her Texas family that has created forever bonds.

Jane was a dedicated mother to her children, Mark and Jaclyn. She lovingly poured herself into their upbringing, even serving as PTA president at their elementary school. She also served as a substitute teacher in Northshore School District while her kids were in their teen years. Jane always ensured that every physical and emotional need was met, raising her children with devotion, strength, and an abundance of love.

Not only was Jane an amazing family member, she was an incredible friend and neighbor to those lucky enough to be around her. She always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of and knew just how to help in times of need. She even spent her 50’s as a Spin instructor at the local YMCA helping her community through exercise. Her daily routine encompassed putting on her makeup, teaching a Spin class, grabbing a coffee, then coming home to shower and do her hair and makeup all over again to always be ready for anything social. In her 60’s to dying day, helping raise her grandchildren became her passion in life. She would do absolutely anything for her sweet grandchildren no matter how she herself was feeling. She received the name Gaga that will forever be a loved name in her family.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; her son, Mark, and his wife Anna, with grandchildren Kaelan and Edie; her daughter, Jaclyn Sorensen, and her husband Tyler, with grandchildren Taylyn, Jayna, Janelle, and TyO. She is also survived by her siblings, Diana Attridge, David Zinser, and Philip Zinser, and was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Curry, who went to be with the Lord in 2003.

Jane will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family, and her extraordinary gift of being the best wife and mom. Her legacy of devotion, creativity, and kindness will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life for Jane will be held at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills in Lynnwood, WA, on Saturday, October 4, 2025. There will be a viewing at 10:00 a.m., a service at 11:00 a.m., a Burial at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception with refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Evergreen Hospice Care at:

https://evergreenhealthfoundation.com/ways-to-give/hospice/

Family and friends who are unable to attend Jane's funeral in person may click on the link below to view the funeral in real-time via livestream.

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25093364707763