Frances D. Rice

1946 - 2026

Frances D Rice Canton, Ohio - Frances Dabney Rice (née Wallace), aged 79, of Canton, Ohio, returned home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2026. She was born on December 9, 1946, in Washington D.C. to Commander Ralph McElhany Wallace and Mary Wood Wallace.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Rice, Adrienne (Jim) Fernandez, Justin (Samantha) Rice, Allison (David) Matarrita, Nathaniel (Jessica) Rice and their father Philip (Lori) Rice; grandchildren Emily, Jack, Henry, Isabel, Ava, William, Charlie, Andrés, Milena, Lexi, and Emma; and great-grandchildren Mateo, Leonardo, Valentina, and Sebastián, due in May. She is also survived by her sister, Mary McMullan Wallace Alexander of Huntersville, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mary Wood Koonce Wallace, father, Commander Ralph McElhany Wallace, and cherished uncle, Benjamin Granade Koonce.

Fran was the child of a commissioned naval officer and proudly described herself as a "navy brat." She lived in many places including Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, and England, but ultimately called Canton, Ohio home. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker who valued her role as a volunteer at many organizations including the Junior Women's League of Canton, Women's League of Canton, Leadership Akron, IlluminArts, United Way of Greater Stark County, Barberton United Way, Healthy Connections Network, Barberton Rotary Club, and the Canton Symphony Orchestra. She especially enjoyed her volunteer roles as a NICU volunteer at Aultman Hospital, Families First of Stark County Mother Mentor Program - which she helped to create - and Vice Chair on the Board of Directors at Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities.

Prior to her role as "mom" she was a first-grade teacher. After raising her children, she was Executive Director of the Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, Director of Major Gifts at United Way of Greater Stark County, and Director of Development at the Summit Education Initiative.

Fran held deep reverence for history and the family treasures that connected her to the past. She delighted in sharing the significance of these keepsakes with family and friends. Beyond her interest in ancestry, she was an avid gardener, birder, and photographer who instilled a broad love of learning in her children. Her legacy lives on through her thoughtful spirit, sharp wit, and the profound love she held for her family.

She spent her final years at Jennings in Brecksville, Ohio, where she forged deep and meaningful bonds with those who cared for her. Throughout her journey with Parkinson's Disease Dementia, she carried herself with the same remarkable dignity and grace that defined her life.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Faith United Methodist Church, 300 9th St NW, North Canton, OH 44720. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the service where the family will receive condolences and gather for fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Direction Home Akron Canton, 1949 Town Park Boulevard, Uniontown, Ohio 44685-8797. Condolences maybe shared online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com (330) 875-5770