Ralph Edward Rice

Ralph Edward Rice age 88, a longtime resident of Warren, Michigan died May 6, 2012 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy Michigan. Ralph was born September 10, 1923 in Detroit Michigan the son of the late Joseph and the late Catherine (nee: Smollin) Rice.Ralph was raised in Detroit and served his country during World War II with the United States Army having achieved the rank of Corporal. Following his service to his country Ralph worked for over 27 years with General Motors at the Nine Mile HydraMatic Plant.Ralph was born in his home on Farnsworth Street in Detroit and was the third of four children. Growing up during the Great Depression, his father remained employed at Cadillac and helped support many other relatives throughout that time. Ralph attended St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, and graduated from Northeastern High School in Detroit.In 1941, at the Vanity Ballroom on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, Ralph met Rosemary Funke, the girl who would sweep him off his feet and change his life. On April 7, 1944, while on furlough from the war, the two promised themselves in marriage and went on to share 68 wonderful years together. His return from the Philippines made for a joyous reunion with both Rosemary, and their first child, Diane.They lived on Young Street, on the east side of Detroit, where they attended Guardian Angel Catholic Church. Nine of their ten children, (ultimately 3 daughters and 7 sons), were born between 1945 and 1963 while living in Detroit. They moved to Charles Drive in Warren on November 22, 1963, the day President Kennedy was shot. Pausing for a while to watch the TV coverage as the nation mourned, they pressed on. Their new church home became St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren. In July of 1965, Ralph & Rosemary welcomed their 10th child into the world, their son, Roger. Whenever asked why they had so many children, their response was always that they loved having a baby in the house.He and Rosemary attended most all their children's activities such as concerts, recitals, and sporting events. Two of their highest honors was getting to watch sons, Rick and Ron swim overseas as part of the Deaf Olympics. For Rick, it was Yugoslavia in 1969. Ron's competition took them to Sweden in 1973, and Romania in 1977. The biggest joy was watching them both win gold medals in the process.Sadly, in 1974, Ralph & Rosemary's lives would be shaken by the tragic loss of their daughter, Debbie.Then in 1975, joy filled their hearts through the birth of their first grandchild, Rodney. They would ultimately be blessed with 17 wonderful grandchildren overall. Ralph was a Boy Scout Leader and enjoyed the many activities and events that surrounded those get-togethers, especially the camping excursions. He was also renowned for being a big history buff. But perhaps his favorite thing to do was travel, something he enjoyed sharing with Rosemary and his family. Over the years, they took their children to 47 of the 50 states by station wagon, and tackled the remaining 3 by other modes of transportation. He and Rosemary also loved to travel globally and visited places including Europe, China, India and South America, as well as the many cruises they added to their portfolio.Ralph and his brothers, Joe and Medard, cared for their elderly Uncle Cass who was stricken with dementia. He retired from GM in 1989, yet remained active and involved with his family. He also found great delight in attending his grandchildren's activities, events, vacations and weddings.Over the years, Ralph struggled with bladder and prostrate cancer, leukemia, and a heart attack. He lost his sight and became legally blind due to macular degeneration, which was most difficult for this social man. He continued with audio books and magazines, and acutely listening to people to recognize them. The past year had been challenging when his youngest son, Roger suffered a stroke at 46 years old while his own health was declining. Throughout the past few months, Rosemary and family members helped care for Ralph who remained mentally sharp until his passing. Ralph was the beloved husband of Rosemary, and is the dear father of Diane (John) Kessler, Richard (Linda) Rice, Randall (Janice) Rice, Ronald Rice, Robert Rice, Russell (Kimberly) Rice, Ryan (Brenda) Rice, Dawn (Scott) Eathorne, Roger Rice, and the late Debra Rice. He is also survived by 17 dear grandchildren, Kevin (Nikki) Lynch, Rodney Rice, Regan Rice, Ryan (Teresa) Rice, Jerry (Katie) Rice, Dennis Rice, Thomas Rice, Sheena Rice, Kelley Rice, Kayla Rice, Melanie Rice, Ryan 'RJ' (Melissa) Rice, Brook (Mark) Laubert, Brad Rice, Jamie Eathorne, Courtney Eathorne, Brendan Eathorne, and eight great-grandchildren, Jake, Makenzie, Natalie, Josephine "Joey", Maria, Summer, Alex, and Autumn.Mr. Rice was predeceased by his siblings Joseph, Medard, and Christine Rohrig. Visitation for Mr. Rice will be Wednesday from 3-9pm, with a 7pm vigil service at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ' Mile Rd). Mr. Rice will lie in state Thursday 9:00am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church until the time of his Funeral Mass at 9:30 am.In lieu of flowers Memorial donations appreciated to the St. John's Deaf Center, 14057 E. 9 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089 or The Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207.Please share memories of Ralph at his guest book.