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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
FRANCES RICE Obituary
Jan. 9, 1935 – May 8, 2025
Frances was born to Louise Baer Lach and Gerald Pierre Lach in Santa Barbara, California and spent her childhood and early adulthood there. Graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1952 and the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1956 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and minor in Geology studies.
Frances began her teaching career with three years in Solvang, California. Followed by eighteen years at LittleRock Elementary in Littlerock, WA and eight years at Washington Elementary in El Centro before retirement in 1997.
In 1989, Frances returned to her family roots of her grandparents when she married Mr. Eric Rice and moved to his farm East of Calexico. Frances and Eric were married for 35 wonderful years.
Frances lived a life of service and generosity, always kind, supportive, and full of grace. She didn't simply volunteer; she led by example, filling every task with a passion that elevated those around her. Whether coordinating community events or stepping in when help was needed, she infused every endeavor with a blend of grace and fervor that made the work seem not only necessary but deeply meaningful. Her generous nature and unwavering support were a guiding light for all of us who shared in her efforts, always reminding us that success is measured by love and care we extend to others.
Frances was active in the P.E.O. sisterhood, Sigma Kapp & Sorority, Native Sons of the Golden West, Rotary International, St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church. She was a volunteer at the Pioneer's DIG Museum and supported the Imperial County Food Bank.
Frances is survived by her husband, Eric Rice; sister, Evelyn Whisman; and children, Sylvia (Terry) Wolters, Gerald (Ashley) Larson, and Robert (Amy) Larson. Additionally; her grandchildren, Bailey (Austin) Galbraith, Blake (Paige) Wolters, Garrett Larson, Cooper Larson, Lindsey Larson, Laney Larson, and Shayna Bradley.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter & Paul Episcopal Church in El Centro, Father Antonio Munoz officiating. Reception to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for FRANCES RICE
Caroline
August 4, 2025
Mrs. Rice was truly blessed and Faithful, an amazing and inspirational Teacher, and beautiful lady in every way. I am so grateful God blessed me in allowing me to know her! I believe she is in Heaven helping in any way God needs her!
Steve Shipman
June 17, 2025
I spent the first seven years of my teaching career working with Francis at Littlerock Elementary. She was a good friend and colleague.
Bridget and Ted
June 14, 2025
Remembering her smile and the energy and joy she brought to all her family, friends and endeavors. She's left a legacy and a model to live by.
Toni Yturralde
June 13, 2025
Dear Family, Educators touch the future. No telling where their influence ends. Mr. Eric Rice may your happy memories and faith comfort you and your family.
Janis Korte
June 12, 2025
Frances and I have been colleagues and friends for over 50 years . We taught school together for 18 of those years and have remained close friends ever since. We still could talk non stop whenever we were together even if we hadn´t seen each other in 6 months. I will miss you SO much dear friend.
John n Kris
June 12, 2025
We will cherish the wonderful memories we have our dear lil Frances.
Mary Seitz
June 12, 2025
Frances was a beautiful woman both inside and out! She was overflowing with kindness, gentleness, gratefulness, joy and grace. She always wore an infectious smile! She worked for the good in all that she did, and she was successful at that! It was my privilege to know Frances through PEO Chapter AV, which made us sisters at heart. I am sure she is busy with a new assignment in Heaven and has an eternal smile on her face!
Joseph Sanchez
June 11, 2025
mrs. rice was the best first grade teacher ever. I'm so grateful for your dedication and passion".
Marissa Pipkin Caiano
June 11, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Rice was my 1st grade teacher at Washington School in 1990, and I will never forget the impact she had on my life. She taught me how to read-and more importantly, she made learning feel joyful. That early, positive experience shaped so much of who I am today. My lifelong love of reading started in her classroom, and it has enriched every part of my life. I know how deeply a child´s confidence can be influenced in those early years, and I will always be grateful that I had a teacher like her. Mrs. Rice was truly called to be an educator, and I feel so fortunate to have been one of her students. May she rest in peace, knowing the difference she made in the lives of so many.
Shelley Belt
June 9, 2025
Francis and I worked on projects together at St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church in El Centro. Every year she would organize the wine festival at Saint Peter and Paul, she was treasure for the ladies group at the church, which I also attended. Francis is a warm, kind, caring, and exceptionally organized person. Whenever you saw her, she greeted you with a smile. I have MS and she and Eric organized and helped me and my daughter with my husband´s funeral at Saints Peter and Paul. On earth she was a real treasure. In heaven, she will be God`s treasure.
Chris C.
June 6, 2025
Mrs Rice was an amazing person and teacher. She inspired her students to learn to read and by doing so gave them the most important building block they would need to be successful in their education. So many success stories were written in her first grade classes. If you had a child who had the opportunity to learn reading from Mrs Rice you were extremely fortunate.
Mona PREECE Frix
June 5, 2025
I am sorry for your loss Mr. Rice, I am a student of yours from Seeley, school, I will never forget you. Our science teacher and my home room teacher in the 6 th grade, may your wife Rip.
Pat Maruca
June 5, 2025
Frances was a beautiful person, a wonderful educator, and a woman of faith and conviction. I had the privilege of working with Frances at Washington Elementary School where she shared her love of teaching with her students and faculty. She was a bright star in every way. She faced each day with a smile and embraced every student and their family with love. I know she will continue to shine brightly in her eternal resting place. Thank you for making a difference, Frances.
Sarah Khan Garcia
June 5, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family. I only knew Frances through the water aerobics class. She was certainly a woman of class and offered friendship to everyone.
May God grant her eternal peace in His glorious heaven.
Michael Bobbitt
June 4, 2025
R.I.P. Mrs. Rice. Had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Rice at Washington. She was an excellent educator and human being.
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