Arliss (Rice) Fink

Arliss Mae Rice Fink, age 97, of Killbuck, Ohio passed peacefully at home on November 13, 2022. The first-born of Daniel and Ruby Rice her siblings included Dan Jr.(deceased), Ruby Ann(deceased)) and Sandra(Sandy) Coleman. She never liked her middle name and had her name legally changed to Arliss Rice Fink in later years.  The new initials, ARF, soon garnered her the nickname “Arfie.”

Arliss proved very bright, especially in the area of math.  This would offer her the rewarding experience of working for the NASA Lewis Research Center as a “computer” and later programming librarian straddling the late 1940s to the early 1980s.

Arliss married John Fink, a WWII veteran on November 23, 1946.  They were married for 61 years until his passing in 2008.  They loved to travel together across the country. They had no children but were pet parents to many birds, dogs and even an alligator they brought back from Florida. In the 1980s they discovered the beautiful Ohio countryside that became their weekend home.  At retirement Arliss and Johnny moved from Cleveland to settle permanently in Holmes County where they continued to add to their Hillcreek Farm, hosting church socials and Fourth of July and Thanksgiving holidays for family.  Arliss loved gardening, reading, playing the organ and accordion and most of all being with her family.

She held several offices at the local Seventh-day Adventist church: assistant treasurer, church liaison with the Holmes County "Share-A-Christmas” and served as church historian and elder.  She was also faithful to write letters and share the church bulletin with those not able to attend.

Arliss is survived by her sister Sandra Coleman and her brother Don Riedthaler (Maria).  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Len Fink (Olga), Marie Swan, Jeff Rice (Glenna), Debby Hepka (Ron), Tim Rice (Minnie), Gretchen Malcolm (Steve), Kathy Hecht (Alan), Mark Coleman (Cindy), Amy Messenger (David), Ken Coleman (Joy) Don Riedthaler Jr. (Janell) and Susan Keye (Scott). She leaves behind many more great nieces and nephews and twelve great-greats.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Alexander Funeral Home, 8612 SR 39, Millersburg, Ohio.  Viewing and visitation hours with the family will occur at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday evening, and the service at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, November 16. On-line condolences can be made by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.

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