John A. Rice

John A. Rice, 84, of West Bethlehem Township, died Wednesday, February 23, 2011, in his residence. He was born April 14, 1926, in West Bethlehem Township, a son of John Newton and Mary Inez Donahoo Rice. A World War II Veteran, Mr. Rice served in the Navy from September 28, 1944, until his honorable discharge on June 5, 1946. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Rice retired in 1988 from Washington Steel and enjoyed working on his farm. He was a member of Highland Brethren Church in Marianna, the VFW, Moose Lodge and Arms Club, all in Washington, and a 63-year member of the American Legion in Marianna. On January 9, 1949, he married Ramona Fish, who survives. Also surviving are a son, John R. Rice of Eighty-Four; a daughter, Cheryl (Steve) Deditch of Marianna; a brother, Clyde Rice of Morgantown, West Virginia; one sister, Louise Bell of Washington; five grandchildren, Brian Rice, Amy Martin, Gregory Deditch, Eric Deditch and Scott Deditch; and eight great-grandchildren. Deceased are a brother, George Braden Rice, who died in infancy; and a sister, Betty Rice. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 26th, with Pastor Timothy Lindsay officiating. Burial will follow in Lone Pine Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.