Richard B. "Ricky" Rice, age 67, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016. He was born on August 30, 1948 in Gary, Indiana to the late Hubert and Elaine Rice. Rick proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He worked as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service. Rick was an avid music lover and a talented musician. He started out by playing guitar in various garage bands in the sixties.
He is survived by his wife, Ophelia (nee Velasquez) Rice; son, Matthew Rice; daughter, Monica (Jeremy) Sarver; grandchildren, Blake Showalterbaugh, Ashlee Showalterbaugh, Kali Sarver; great granddaughter, Aria Showalterbaugh; brothers, Thomas (Laurie) Rice, William Rice, Patrick (Suzanne) Rice; best friend of 55 years, Andy Rhetorik; numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Elaine Rice; brother, Ronald Rice; sister, Elaine Rice. Memorial contributions in Rick's name may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church of South Haven, 760 McCool Road, Valparaiso, IN 46385.
A funeral service for Rick will take place Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage with Rev. John C. Allen officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, January 29, 2016 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.