Ray A. Rice

Ray Allen Rice passed on at age 80 on April 30, 2024, at his home in Othello, WA.

He was born June 27, 1943, in Mason City, Washington to Fred & Vera (Whyatt) Rice. His sister,

Darlene followed in 1944. He lived in Grand Coulee, WA where he graduated from Grand Coulee High School in 1961 as Valedictorian of the class. He played basketball all four of his high school years and was on the winning State B Championship team in 1960. From a young age he helped his father farm the family homestead until he left for college. He attended Washington State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in math and education. Ray moved to Othello, WA where he began his forty-year teaching career in math and driver's education. He also enjoyed coaching wrestling for many years. He met the love of his life, Terry Nilles, at Eastern Washington University and they were married in 1968. He continued to hunt on the family farm in Grand Coulee and loved that yearly tradition. He was happiest at home with his family, eating ice cream with his grandkids, sitting with others outside on his patio, playing games on his computer, working in the yard, and splitting wood with his fellow "wood chucks."

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Terry Rice, daughter Debbie Williams (Dave Williams), son

Scott Rice (Rosa Rice) seven grandchildren: Madison Williams, Jacob Williams, Meghan Rice, Lauren Rice, Emma Rice, Nicholas Rice, & Ashley Rice, and sister Darlene Dittmer. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Vera Rice and brother-in-law Ted Dittmer.

As a driver's instructor for years, he wanted you all to know "he'll be sitting on your shoulder while you drive."

A celebration of life will be held at the family home in Othello, on Saturday, June 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson's research at http://www.parkinson.org or http://www.give.michaeljfox.org.