Patricia "Pat" A Rice

Patricia A. Goins Rice of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, passed away on February 15 at age 71 at the University of Louisville Hospital Trauma Center. Her cause of death was pneumonia exacerbated by MRSA and Covid-19. She was gallantly treated by Dr. Lenhardt, Dr. Chin, and Dr. Latif and was assisted by unbelievable residents and nursing staff. She fought through so many health issues during her 30 days in the hospital, with only one visitor allowed to comfort her. She is finally at peace.

Pat was born in Whitesburg, Kentucky, on February 25, 1949. She was a graduate of Whitesburg High School, where she was selected as Miss Yellowjacket. She attended Eastern Kentucky University and received a B.A. degree in health and physical education. As a junior at EKU, she met her soulmate, James. H. Rice (Jim/Jay/J.H.). On September 7, 1968, they were happily married, and have been inseparable for 52 wonderful years.

Pat was a teacher for 17 years in Bullitt County at the elementary (Cedar Grove), middle (Hebron), and high school level (North Bullitt). She was an innovative teacher, and established a number of sports in the county’s curriculum including archery, bowling, volleyball, long before they were KHSAA sanctioned sports. Pat coached a number of athletes in track & field and tennis at North Bullitt. She was a big proponent of sports for females, diversity in sports, and the importance of moral development for athletes. In addition, Pat also authored the Bullitt County sex education curriculum. In addition to developing student-athletes, Pat was an avid tennis player herself- competing and winning lots of USTA tournaments.

Pat was an adventurer who traveled extensively through 6 continents. She explored ancient ruins in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, watched the sunrise at Stonehenge, and traversed the Andes Mountains in Peru to reach Machu Picchu. Her favorite destination in all her travels was the pyramids of Egypt. Pat was a longtime member of the A.R.E. and attended numerous seminars and travel tours.

She was the mother of Tiffany Alicia (Mike) Gossett and Jason Christopher (Stacey) Rice, and they were the love of her life, along with her four grandchildren, Amy and Alex (Ivory) Gossett and Matthew and Christopher Rice. She was so proud of her grandchildren, and she loved.

them all unconditionally. Pat believed that her children and grandchildren were all gifts from God. She loved having them all together with her, and, as a result, we shared lots of adventures on cruises and vacations together.

She is survived by her mother, Ann Marable, her brother, Mark (Teresa) Nichols, her sister, Lisa (Carl) Perry, her brothers, Bobby, Larry, and Ronnie Goins, her sister Kim Goins Brashear, her cousin she thought of as a sister, Betty (George) Kincer, and many nieces and nephews, including Michael (Carrie) Rice.

Pat loved spending time at her lake house at Barren River Lake. It was her sanctuary, her peaceful and loving place with her husband. They occasionally caught fish, entertained family there, ate vegetable soup with Roger and Laveda Hayes, and visited with Jordan & Michelle Clark, Richard Dillingham, and Bob & Judy Remaly.

She was an avid University of Kentucky basketball and football fan. She and Jay attended many games at Rupp Arena and traveled to many NCAA tournament games to watch the Cats. Go Big Blue!

Pat had a big heart and was involved in many charities. She gave lovingly and generously without expecting anything in return. She was also a very spiritual person who made those around her into better people. She was a trained reiki master, and used her training to help heal others. She sang like an angel, and her beautiful smile would light up a room.

She will be truly and deeply missed by her loving family and friends and all who knew her. In remembrance of Pat’s amazing life and her love of children, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Kosair Charities.

Pat, I am sure that your grandmother, father, and all your relatives will be waiting to greet you in Heaven. I will miss the love of my life and soulmate, but we will be together again. Love, Jay

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Hwy. at Brooks Rd.) with private interment to follow. Friends may pay their respects on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 2 pm until 8 pm and on Saturday from 9 am until the time of service at the funeral home.

www.subfuneralhome.com

Facebook Live link to the Prayer Service on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 7:30pm-8pm https://fb.me/e/16iu1kfRE

Facebook Live link to the Funeral Service on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 2:00pm-2:45pm https://fb.me/e/3yxhbO4E2