On New Year's Day, 2022, Ruby Ann Rice entered into her final Sabbath rest on this earth awaiting the call of Jesus to eternal life. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Sept. 9, 1930. She was the third of four children born to Daniel and Ruby Rice, including Arliss, Dan Jr.(deceased) and Sandy.
Ruby attended Mt. Vernon Academy in Mt. Vernon, Ohio for her high school years. She then attended nursing school at Washington Missionary College in Takoma Park, MD and graduated in 1954. Soon after graduation she was hired to be the director of the campus Health Services department and served in that role until her retirement in 1993. Ruby was also asked to teach some college courses in medical terminology for the business department at then Columbia Union College and for many summers Ruby served as the nurse and cook for the college’s Biology Field Station in Headwaters, Va. Here she had many adventures camping, caving and hunting for snakes, immersing herself in the wild nature she loved.
At retirement Ruby moved from Takoma Park, Maryland to Holmes County, Ohio, right across the road from sister Arliss and brother-in-law John. She created a home for her and her mother on several high and pastoral acres near Welcome and Killbuck. At her mother’s death Ruby was joined by her sister, Sandra, upon her own retirement.
Ruby was a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist and very active in her church. She taught children’s Sabbath School, served as a deaconess, Sabbath School Superintendent, greeter, church clerk and as a church treasurer.
Ruby is survived by her sisters Arliss Fink and Sandra Coleman and her brother Don Riedthaler (Maria). She is also survived by her adoring and heart-broken nieces and nephews: 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 even eleven great-greats.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Alexander Funeral Home in Millersburg, Ohio Friday morning January 7 at 10 a.m. Viewing and Visitation hours with the family will occur at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. Thursday evening, Jan. 6. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Ruby A. Rice Scholarship at Washington Adventist University.
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=53PD7U4N9V4NY
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