Geraldine "Gerry" Marjorie (Collins) Rice, of Greenville went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born in Mattoon, Wisconsin, on March 5, 1920, the daughter of Rev Earl F. and Blanche M. (VanPrice) Collins. On June 4, 1943, she married Dr. Robert E. Rice in Grand Rapids, and settled in Greenville in 1946.
Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, and her brother Gordon Collins. She is survived by her daughters Roxanne Rice of Greenville and Judith (Pierre) Lesage of Montreal, Quebec, her son Robert (Pamela) Rice of Land O Lakes, Florida, and two grandchildren, Nicole and Matthew Rice of Tampa, Florida.
She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1942, and taught kindergarten in Howell, Michigan, for 1 year before her marriage.
Her love for the Lord was the hallmark of her life and guided everything she did, in her home and family, her church, and the community.
Gerry was a loving wife and mother. She loved being Dr. Bobs wife, and especially enjoyed antique hunting with him, and tastefully furnishing the family home with their finds. Her children and their friends well remember coming in the back door after school to the aroma of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. She loved to sew and knit, and the familys closets were always full of clothes and sweaters she had made. She guided the entire family in smooth patterns of school, church, hobbies, and music, and set a fine example of what it means to be a true friend.
She was well loved for her kind and gentle spirit and quiet ways.
Other than her family, her church was the great love of her life. She loved the Lord from childhood, and served Him faithfully at First Congregational Church in Greenville, in Women's Fellowship (past president), Brewster Circle, and the Music Committee. From 1956-2004, she played the church pipe organ for worship services, weddings, funerals, and fun events, often writing her own music. Her loving, worshipful style created an atmosphere of peace and joy, and helped shape the worship life of her beloved church for over 47 years.
She was an active member of Si Quaeris Club for many years.
Visitation will be held at Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville Wednesday, Sept 10, from 7:00-8:30 pm. A Memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm, Thursday, Sept 11, at First Congregational Church, Greenville, Rev. Jerry Jones officiating, followed by committal in the church columbarium.
Memorials can be given to First Congregational Church Women's Fellowship or the music
