Rice, Charles R. (1864-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 31 p. 8

Birth date: 1864 Apr 1

text of obituary:

CHARLES R. RICE

Charles R. Rice was born east of Ligonier, Ind., on April 1, 1864, the son of Israel and Susan Kegg Rice. He departed this life at Topeka, Ind. on Wednesday, March 9, 1955, at the age of 90 years, 11 months and nine days.

In 1895 he was married to Cora Belle Inks. Fourteen children were born to this union. Those who survive are: Mary Lung of Ligonier, Leslie H. of Nappanee, Leila Sheley of Ligonier, Ernest of Ligonier, Ivan of Wawaka, Lucile [sic Lucille] Anders of Arcola, Ind., Violet Smith of Ligonier, Ruth Beason of South Bend, Maxine Hubler of LaGrange, Bonnie Ramer of Albion and Betty Lehman of Topeka. Three children died in infancy. He was preceded in death by his wife who died in 1922.

He lived his entire life in the Topeka community with the exception of two years when the family made their home near Grand Island, Neb.

Besides the children he is survived by 31 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Bro. Rice united with the Maple Grove church by baptism about 1914 and joined with other members of that congregation when they merged with the Topeka Mennonite church.

Despite many trials and hardships in his long life he remained faithful to his Lord and Master. He was always ready to express his faith by saying that the Lord had been good to him. During his years of physical blindness he found great satisfaction in singing and listening to the hymns of the church.

The funeral was held at the Topeka Mennonite church on Friday afternoon, March 11, with Rev. Orlin E. Frey in charge. Burial was made in the Maple Grove cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1955 Apr 5 p. 224