Phyllis L. Rice, age 88, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 23, 2019 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while under the care of Ministry Hospice Ascension Health & Home. She was born January 14, 1931 in Merrill to the late Clifford & Mildred (Munroe) Hoffman. Phyllis married the love of her life, LeRoy Rice, on March 17, 1951. He preceded her in death. Phyllis worked for Holy Cross Hospital as a CNA, Hanson Glove Factory, Good Samaritan Hospital, Lincoln Country Home and Walmart. She was a life time member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post #1638. Phyllis had many interests including; crafts, flower gardens, playing cards and dancing. Phyllis & LeRoy, along with the kids, would spend a lot of family time camping over the years, and going to the Indian Shores. Phyllis & LeRoy were “Snow Birds” and spent 8 years in Florida during the cold months. They would travel all over the state of Florida. They also enjoyed traveling to Nashville, TN. Phyllis loved her family and really loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a passion for quilting and made many pieces for the ones she loved, especially the grandchildren. Phyllis really enjoyed making habitat quilts. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a member of Riverside Athletic Club where she loved to go to classes.
Survivors include: children; daughter, Cheryl (Richard) Coyer of Merrill; son, Dennis (Janelle) Rice of Merrill; daughter, Patsy (Gary) Baguhn of Tomahawk; son, David (Kay) Rice of Merrill; daughter, Mary Kay (Steve) Lezotte of Merrill and DuWayne (Jenny) Rice of Merrill; 14 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, brother: Roy Hoffman, sisters; Alice Braithwaith, Jeanie (Roger) Alms, Arlene Bagley, Arleigh Linder, Harriet Rehwinkel, many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; LeRoy, 4 brothers, 1 sister, 1 granddaughter, Phyllis Jo Rice.
Funeral services for Phyllis will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Adam Rodriguez will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 4PM to 8PM at Waid Funeral Home and again on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 10AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to VFW Post #1638, Honor Flight or Trinity Lutheran Church.
Special thanks to Pine Crest Nursing Home & Ministry Hospice Ascension Health & Home for the care they took of mom.