Born on May 24, 1950, in Paintsville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Heber and Hattie (Spears) Rice. Sue married Donald O’Brian and they remained inseparable for the past 56 years. She was passionate about her family and friends and cherished every memory and moment with them. She fiercely loved her son and granddaughters and was very proud of them. Family functions and get-togethers were some of her favorite times.
Sue loved traveling with Don, and they had many adventures along the way. For the past 10 years, they traveled in their camper to Florida, escaping from the Ohio winter. Compassionate and caring, she devoted herself to her nursing career for over 40 years. Sue was friendly and never knew a stranger. She cultivated many special friendships, and was always willing to help anyone, anytime she could. She enjoyed baking and so did everyone who was able to taste those treats. She really enjoyed spoiling people with her creations.
Sue is survived by her husband, Donald “Don” O’Brian; son, D. Westley (Kathy) O’Brian; four granddaughters, Alexis O’Brian, Cameron O’Brian, Kendall Martin, and Kerrigan O’Brian; and two special nieces, Sharon (Nick) Marsh and Karen (David) Burroughs.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Heber “JR” Rice Jr.; and two sisters, Nancy Sloan and Irene Osterhage.
The family welcomes friends to visit from 9:00-10:00 am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Robert O’Brian officiating. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
