Grace Rice

Born on August 29, 1930, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, Grace Rice was the daughter of Romie Nathaniel and Clara J. (Sears) Hardy and the youngest of seven children. She passed away May 24, 2024, at her home in Southern California.

In early 1965, she moved to Massillon, OH, and began her career with the State of Ohio at the Massillon State Hospital as a Customer Service Supervisor. She eventually became the Director of the Dietary Department for the hospital and the farms on the property. The staff and patients loved her! After 25 years of service to the state, she retired in 1991.

Grace was well respected throughout the community. She worked at Neighborhood Housing in Massillon, where she played a pivotal role in building the first affordable housing. She was also a dedicated member of both the Parks and Recreation and Habitat for Humanity Boards for the City of Massillon.

In Massillon, she was an active member of the Shiloh Baptist Church for over 30 years. She served for a time as secretary, was the Chairperson of the Trustee Board for many years and served on the Finance Committee.

Now at peace in eternity, Grace joins her mother and father; brothers and sisters; Sons Edward Louis Rice, James (Chief) Lawrence Rice, Conrad Edward Hardy, and Paul Eugene Hardy, along with daughters Joanne Delores Barnes, Hellen Louise Parker, Bettie Joyce King, Joyce Marie Hardy and Dianna Lynn Rice, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Grace leaves to cherish her memory: her son William (Arbuna) Rice, Jr., daughters Claire Romaine Moore, Turranna Francelle Rice, and Angela (Carnell) Louise Borden, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a great-great-great grandson, cousins, special goddaughter Gayle Danzy, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home. The homegoing celebration will be Saturday, June 8th at Shiloh Baptist Church in Massillon at 11am with viewing from 10-11am. In lieu of flowers please donate via Paypal to Pauline's Lemon-Aid, a Non-Profit Organization in memory of Pauline Lemon. Donations will be used to help the Citizens of Massillon. Paulineslemonaid@gmail.com.