MaryEllen M. Rice, age 89, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was born September 18, 1935 ,in Fort Wayne to the late Dr. Leland Stanford and Grace K. (née Keenan) McKeeman. MaryEllen was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and earned her B.S. in Education from Indiana University and M.Ed. in Elementary Education from St. Francis University and taught at Waynedale Elementary School. She married Edward B. Rice on August 17, 1957, and enjoyed 55 years together before his passing in May 2013.
MaryEllen served on the Board of the Embassy Theatre and was instrumental in organizing and planning the First Festival of Trees in 1983, which continues to this day. She also served on the Fort Wayne Historical Society Board of Directors, SCAN, was active in the Republican Party, and Community Volunteer, including Lutheran Hospital, and found great pleasure in making breakfast and cookies at Stillwater Hospice. MaryEllen was a member of the Fort Wayne Bridge Club, former member of Fort Wayne Country Club and Sycamore Hills Golf Club; and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola.
MaryEllen had a love of traveling and enjoyed many trips all across the world.
MaryEllen was the devoted mother of three sons, Stanford E. (Susan) Rice of Fort Wayne, Daniel B. (Tina) Rice and John D. (Tricia) Rice, both of Warsaw; and the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Alexandra (James) Price, William, Michael, Samuel, Hannah, Daniel, Elizabeth and Christina Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward B. Rice; brother, Stanford McKeeman; and sister, Joan M. Martin.
Mass of Christian Resurrection is 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola, 12305 Arcola Road, with calling beginning at 10 a.m. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials Contributions may be directed to Stillwater Hospice, Embassy Theatre Foundation, Magical Meadows Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, or Edward B. Rice Nursing Scholarship at Saint Francis University.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mccombcares.com.
