Lillian Jeanne Rice

Lillian Jeanne Rice (Lumbert) of Leslie, Michigan, passed peacefully to her Lord and Savior on November 3rd, 2025 at the age of 88. Lillian was born on February 4th, 1937 at home in Eagle, MI to Joseph and Beryl (Milligan) Lumbert. Her family moved to Felt Plains when she was 7 years old. Lillian attended the Felt Plains School through the 8th grade. Lillian formed a relationship with a neighbor Donald Rice and they became forever sweethearts. She graduated from Ingham Township High School in 1955, one month later she and Donald Rice married on July 2nd, 1955.

Besides Lillian being married to a farmer, and raising four children, Lillian and Donald worked side by side most days. Lillian was able to operate tractors, mixed feed, fed livestock, did vet work, baled hay, and cultivated the crops. Lillian would by herself deliver the hogs to multiple sale barns across the state, also directly to Farmer Peet’s Meats. Lillian was a great homemaker. She prepared the meals, baked delicious desserts, and canned fruits and vegetables. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, she made many of her children's clothing, as well as her own. Lillian also drove school bus for 7 years with Dansville Agricultural School. One of her greatest accomplishments was that she was Bunkerhill Township Clerk for 30 years, for which a building was named in her honor.

Lillian was preceded in death by daughter Janice Quinn, son David Rice, her husband of 64 years, Donald Rice, and siblings John Lumbert and Carolyn McGauley.

She is survived by her brother Jim (Barbara) Lumbert, children: Doyle Rice and Nancy (Ralph) Herberg, son-in-law Bob (Cheryl) Quinn, and daughter-in-law Virginia Rice.

An adored and proud Grandmother to Randy (Amber) Quinn, Racquel (Juan) Garza, Derek (Jessica) Quinn, Kyle (Brandy) Quinn, Nathan (Kristen) Herberg, Helana (CW) Cooley, Andy (Aliyah) Rice, Alexander Rice, Ariel Rice, Yaqirah Rice, and Samuel Rice; 18 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

It has been said that Lillian was the eternal optimist. She leaves behind a legacy that was rich in faith, hard work, unconditional love, forgiveness and sacrifice that will forever be treasured.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at Holt Baptist Church located at 2020 Dean Ave., Holt MI 48842. Visitation will be from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am. Per her wishes, her body was cremated, and her family will inter her ashes at the Felt Plains Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holt Baptist Church or Youth Haven Ranch.