Elizabeth Jo Anna Rice
November 20, 1935 - April 25, 2022
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and friend passed away on April 25, 2022. Jo Ann was born to Lawrence Henry and JoHanna Heggie Smith Siebers on November 20, 1935.
JoAnn was raised in Tooele, UT and attended schools there through high school. She then attended Utah State University and graduated with a degree in Journalism. She met John David Rice there and they married shortly after graduation. She began her writing career at the Salt Lake Tribune as an advice columnist under the pseudonym “Dear Debbie”. John and Jo Ann graduated together from Utah State. John’s U.S. Air Force career took them to Texas, California, Alaska, and Maryland. Jo Ann taught school on the Air Force base in Alaska. They moved to Washington D.C., where she continued teaching while John attended law school.
Upon law school graduation, the couple briefly moved to southern California before settling in Cincinnati in 1966. Cincinnati is where Jo Ann would call home and raise her family. JoAnn dedicated her life to charitable work – John called her a professional volunteer. In this service she served in many roles in the Finneytown School District PTA and eventually as the Vice President and Secretary to the State of Ohio PTA. She then went on to another passion, history. She served as a volunteer and docent with the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Heritage Program. Through her guidance and leadership as the President of the Heritage Program, the association grew in membership and expanded the variety and presentations. She became expert in the history of Southern Ohio and gave many lectures and presentations.
Jo Ann was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. She served many years as a Sunday school teacher, Ward Relief Society President, and eventually Vice President of the Cincinnati Stake Relief Society.
JoAnn’s biggest pride was her family. She was a cherished Grammy to her grandchildren.
Jo Ann was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence Henry and JoHanna Heggie Siebers, her brothers Lawrence Siebers and Robert Siebers, and son David Gregory Rice. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John David, son John Timothy (Linda) Rice of Lakeland, FL, daughter, Melanie (Mark) Moffat of Park City, UT, and daughter Wendy (Aladar) Komjathy of Lambertville, NJ. Grandchildren Gregory Rice and Samuel Rice, John Benjamin Rice, Emily Adelaide Rice, Charles Joseph Moffat, Richard Hunter Moffat, and Holly Elizabeth Moffat. Great grandchildren Gracie Rice and Ronin Rice.
Services will be held in Salt lake City, UT at 11:00 am on May 12, 2022 at the Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building. The burial service to follow in Park City, UT.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Cincinnati Western Hills Ward Building on May 14, 2022 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bonnet Springs Park (www.bonnetspringspark.com) or the Cincinnati Museum Center Library Fund, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203.
In Loving Memory
Sending my love and condolences at this difficult time. I am friends with Mrs Rice daughter, Wendy. On a recent trip, she spoke so lovingly about her mom. Wendy is clearly one of her legacies as they share so many wonderful character traits. Blessings for comfort and peace to the entire family!
Mary Bradley
San Antonio, Tx
We are deeply saddend to hear of Jo Ann's passing and our prayers are for John and family. Her laughter and graciousness will be truly missed by all who knew her. Hugs and love to all.
Mary and Randy Kent
Cincinnati, OH
My deepest sympathy to Jo Ann's family. I was her hairdressser for many years and we still kept in contact. We were friends and confidants. Jo Ann was one of the very best people I have ever known and the world will miss her. Rest In Peace.
Sandie Gehrum
Cincinnati, Oh
JoAnn was the kind of friend you may not see for a long time and then when you did you pick up right where you left off She delighted me everytime with the stories of her family which she loved so much. Last saw Jo in May 2021 for lunch and was so happy to see her after a long absence. I will miss her more than I can say.
Barbara Sprague
Mansfield, OH
JoAnn and I ran with the same group of girls all through school- those were good times. I will miss seeing her posts on Facebook. She was truly a good and talented person.
Lois McArthur
Tooele, UT
My prayers with everyone who had the opportunity to love and know her. I'm truly grateful that my boys had such a loving grandma. May God be with all us. She truly will hold special place in our hearts. Heard on the radio after long night of crying Don't Cry for Me down here When I get to where I'm Going...God speed..so hard not to do.. loved her .
Christine Bryson-Rice
Cincinnati, OH
I had the pleasure to meet and socialize with Joann through her loving Daughter Wendy and her Son In Law Aladar Also her husband John and I became friends along with her Son Tim. The Rice family are terrific and loving people. Joann was a gem and I will miss talking and being with her. My thoughts and prayers to the family and I will continue to love and support them in Joann's memory
William J Hauck
Clinton, NJ
John and family We will miss being in JoAnn's delightful company. Memories of our social times will live in our hearts. Our prayers are with you John and your family. Carol and Kurt
Carol and Kurt Saile
Maineville, Ih
John and Family- It is so hard to say your earthly good bye to one you have shared so much of your life. I treasure all the wonderful memories of raising our families next door. And what great stories we all share. They will always have a special spot in heart. JoAnn was so sweet and always there to help out. I could write a book with all the wild tales that come to mind. She will be missed. Rest in Peace JoAnn Love, Carolyn
Carolyn Rand
Cincinnati, Oh
Joanne will be sadly missed. By sharing some of the same grandchildren, we always considered John and Joanne part of our extended family. We had many wonderful visit with her and will cherish those memories. Our condolences to John and all the family. Bev and Dick
Beverly and Richard Moffat
The Villages, FL
I just joined Facebook because JoAnn encouraged me to do so. AND - there was her photo. We grew up together - just around the corner. Our Mother's grew old together and I thought we would be doing the same thing - me in California and her in Ohio/Florida. She recently sent me a photo of an article on the Tooele Hstory Page - the article mentioned my Father. We had a couple of long converesations and she said she was fine - we both knew fine meant okay even though there were aches and pains along the way. And, now she is gone. We had many, many memories. I loved her spirit - she was a good friend. I miss her even though we only talked a couple of times a year. Am sending love to John and her family - She was so proud of you. Chloe Kamprath
Chloe Ann Frailey Kamprath
Walnut Creek, CA
Wendy, Al and family: May the memory of your Mom comfort you during this time. Sending sincere condolences to you and your family. With deepest sympathy and love, Viki, Larry, and Sarah (Komjathy)
Victoria Komjathy
Clarence Center, NY