Evalee Rice, 84, of Ontario, passed away Wednesday morning, April 5, 2017, at her home.
She was born Jan. 22, 1933, in Paintsville, Kentucky, to the late Charles and Eva (Wheeler) Stricklin.
Evalee was a strong-willed, honest and sincere woman. She enjoyed crochet and knitting and was generous in giving her creations to others. She enjoyed garage sales and had many of her own over the years. Her passion for finding that special treasure led to her opening her own business, Junk and Jewels, which she operated out of her home for 10 years.
She is survived by two sons, Charles H. (Debra) Rice, of Shelby, and Wes L. (Carla) Rice, of Lordstown; six grandchildren, Anthony (Cindy) Rice, Joshua Rice, Leah Crum, Daniel Rice, Jared Rice, Bethany Rice; two great-grandchildren, Hayden Rice and Mannix Crum; a sister, Henrietta McGraw, of Ontario; two sisters-in-law, Sue (Don) O’Brian, of Centerburg, Ohio, and Helen Stricklin, of Ontario; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Heber Rice, who passed away on April 28, 2007; an infant sister, Esther Stricklin; and a brother, Jim Stricklin.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Joe Smith, of Westside Baptist Church officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
