Viola M. Rice was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at the age of 96. She was born Viola Mae Harriger to Jacob and Ida Harriger on February 12, 1923 in DuBois, Pennsylvania and raised around Findlay, Ohio.
Viola met the love of her life, Glenn Rice while roller-skating in Findlay, Ohio. They married on December 24, 1941 and continued to pursue their passion for the sport, even participating in and winning several dance skating competitions until they were both in their 70’s.
They made Findlay, Ohio their home until Glenn was discharged from the Army in 1945, at which time they moved to Toledo, Ohio. After four years in Toledo, they relocated their family to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1949. Glenn and Viola raised their family in Corpus Christi during the 20 years they lived there. In June 1969, Glenn accepted a job transfer to San Antonio, Texas with his employer, Southwestern Bell. As a Sears’ employee, Viola was also able to transfer to San Antonio where they eventually retired and remained.
Aside from her fondness of roller-skating, Viola was an avid collector of telephones and immensely enjoyed doing crafts. She also loved to travel and was always “ready to go” whenever any family member or relative even muttered the word trip. Viola was very happy and content with her life. Her faith in God was strong and she remained a dedicated Christian, attending the Lutheran church for many years, and eventually becoming a Southern Baptist after moving to San Antonio.
Viola was preceded in death by Glenn, her husband of 57 years in August 1999, and her older sister Francis Brown. She is survived by four wonderful children who would do anything for her, and their spouses, Gary & Linda Rice of San Antonio, Texas; Danny & Katie Rice of Cedar Park, Texas; Kathy & Matthew Wells of Waco, Texas; Tim & Leona Rice of Capitan, New Mexico. Also surviving is a brother, Carl Ram of Findlay, Ohio; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She will be dearly missed by all who survive her.
Funeral services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Friday, June 7, 2019. Visitation will begin at 1pm and the Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Eric Waters at 2pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
