Mary Jo Rice

July 19, 1938 – January 14, 2025

Mary Jo Rice, 86, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at The Waters of Wakarusa. She was born on July 19, 1938, In Mannington, West Virginia to the late Charles Howard Wright and the late Hazel Victoria (Higginbotham) Wright Baker. She married Warren Lee Rice on January 31, 1959. He passed away on August 9, 2003. She is survived by 4 children, Brenda (Mark) Templeton, Ronald (Sherri) Rice, Richard (Shannon Peek) Rice, and Larry (Paulette) Rice, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Sara Jane Phillips of Shinnston, West Virginia. She is also survived by dear friends of many years, Meg Fleming of Noblesville, IN and Carrie Parker of Wooster, OH, whom she met in the first grade and has maintained a close relationship ever since. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, and half siblings, Charles Wright and Howard Wright. Also preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Natalia Rice. Mary Jo was employed as a sales clerk in bakeries for 40 years. First at Allen’s Cake Shoppe from 1976-2004 and then Adam’s Cake Shoppe from 2005 until her retirement in 2016. During that time, she made many friends throughout Elkhart and people recognized her wherever she went. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, listening to old-time country music and writing and receiving letters from old friends. Friends may call at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman funeral home Friday, January 17, from 6 pm – 8 pm, and one hour prior to the 10:30 am service on Saturday, January 18. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.