Barbara Ann Rice

Barbara Ann Rice (Barb), age 88, passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born on March 15th, 1937, to Ora and George Hileman. Barb is predeceased by her husband, Harold (Jay), brother, Max, sister-in-law Carol, and nieces, Carol Jean & Beth Jane.
Barb spent her early years growing up on a farm in Wayne, Michigan, later moving to Garden City and graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1955. She was awarded a University of Michigan Regents – Alumni scholarship, she graduated from U of M with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and she enjoyed a decades long career in accounting.
Barb & Jay were married on July 14th, 1962, and they lived in Royal Oak before purchasing their home in Berkley. They spent many years together, especially enjoying weekends with friends at their home on Drummond Island before Jay's passing in 1990.
The American Legion always held a special place in Barb's heart. For many decades, she generously devoted her time and energy to the Women's Auxiliary, serving in many capacities, including President. She continued to support and volunteer for countless Legion activities throughout her retirement until recently.
Barb found love, happiness, and belonging again with Stan Fons and his 7 children and grandchildren. She always made holidays special for her family, always remembering birthdays, graduations, and special events, and doting on her grandchildren. Barb and Stan enjoyed many years together, spending time with friends, traveling, participating in Legion activities and appreciating life together until Stan's passing in 2012.
Barb was adored by her Fons family including: Mike (Marty) Fons, Kathy Gargagliano, Jeff (Jan) Fons, Tom (Martha Quinn) Fons, Ken (Laurie Coulter) Fons, Barry Fons, Lynn (Todd Steeves); grandchildren, Karen (Allen) Vangorder, Kevin Fons (Lauren Philips), Patrick Fons, Adam Fons; and great-grandchildren, Grace and Ben Vangorder and Iris Fons, as well as many other extended family members.
Barb was loving, caring, and kindhearted. She was also smart, funny, sharp-witted and such fun to be with. Barb treasured her many lifelong friendships and continued to make new friends throughout her life. She was genuinely interested in, generous with, and supportive of those she cared about. Her American Legion family was very dear to her throughout the years, and she sincerely cherished her many friendships that began there.
Barb was a truly exceptional and remarkable women. She loved unconditionally, and she was loved by so many. We are heartbroken by her loss, but so very fortunate to have known and loved her, so rest in peace now our beloved
Barb.
Memoral visitation to celebrate Barb's life begins from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM time of her memorial service at the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 12 Mile Road, Berkley (two blocks west of Woodward Avenue).