Janet Marie Rice

This is the day the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Please celebrate the wonderful life of Janet Marie Wiles Rice; born in Corning NY, raised in Nelson PA, lived in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Central NY (CNY); and for the past 27 years in North Carolina.
In the early hours of Friday December 5,2025, Jan passed peacefully from her earthly life, and stepped into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born March 3, 1946 to Maurice & Marjorie Briggs Wiles, she met and married the love of her life, Robert Willard Rice, who loved and cared for her, forever. Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Jan devoted herself to being a loving wife/mother, and caring/nurturing her entire extended family. The names in her family Bible are nearly endless: Briggs, Wiles, Rice, McLean, Byrd, Wilson, Davenport, Pratt, Harris, Martin, and many more.
Among numerous special friends and relatives, she is survived by her dear siblings: sister, Vicky Wiles, and brother, Steven Wiles; adored sister-in-law Eileen Rice Harris; special uncle, Terry Briggs; beloved children: Bret (Kay) Rice, Craig (Christi) Rice, and Monica (Derrick) Byrd; her treasured nieces & nephews: Jamie Wilson, Josh McLean, Jill Pratt, Silas Wiles, Linda Davenport and Sue Shepherd; and most of all, her cherished grandchildren & great-grandchildren: Charleen Rice, William Rice, Matthew Rice, Chris Rice, Jon Rice and Sophie Byrd; Noah Vargason and Philip Adler.
Jan entered BOCES nursing school program in the fall of 1982, becoming a NY Board Certified Licensed Practical Nurse. While there, she met another student, Debbie Sanders of Auburn NY, and a beautiful & special sisterhood was established. After time in the private nursing sector, she transitioned into Hospice Nursing of the Fingerlakes, where for many years - she served dozens of patients in their homes, giving them dignity, comfort and peace, as they transitioned from their earthly lives.
In 1998, when Jan & Bob moved from CNY to Asheboro North Carolina, she continued to work as a volunteer for Hospice. She then changed trajectory and found herself working in a women's only fitness center, where she formed new friendships and started new adventures with the ladies she met there. She continued to serve and care for senior ladies in her community by being part of the Stephen Ministry thru her Presbyterian Church.
In 2019, after the passing of her beloved husband, Jan persevered with her faith in Christ, and after a period of adjustment, she was determined to continue with a fulfilling and purpose-driven life, for the rest of her years.
In 2020, Jan relocated from Asheboro to Greensboro NC to be closer to her family - moving into her own place, just one mile from her daughter's family. She was especially delighted that she was so close to her youngest granddaughter, Sophie, spending endless amounts of time being her 'Mimi.'
Jan's new community welcomed her, and she became part of a close-knit group of wonderful ladies, known as the "Stadler Sisters" where she blossomed again in laughter, comradery, and fun. She started a weekly 'game night' for the group, opening her home to the people she enjoyed being with. She was an avid walker, enjoyed being outdoors, watching & feeding birds and tending to her many plants and flowers.
Jan became part of the Greensboro New-Comers group where she participated in the monthly book club, the weekly walking club, and attended the monthly get togethers. She joined the NOWWHAT group for widows/widowers, meeting monthly for coffee, bi-weekly for bible study, and serving the backpack ministry - providing weekend meals to school-age children with food insecurity. She regularly attended Charity Baptist Church, where she enjoyed both the worship and fellowship she found there.
Jan was a wonderful woman who dedicated her life to Christ & all of us through her nursing, her friendship, her laughter and her love.
She loved each and every one of us - Dearly.
Jan asked that you remember her in your hearts, where you are, with those around you, whilst the family tends to a small, private ceremony in her hometown in Northern PA. She will be buried in the Nelson, PA cemetery next to her loving husband Bob, and her Mom & Dad.
Please show your love & affection for Jan, by sending a cheery card, a bouquet of flowers, a small gift or donation, or volunteering at your local Hospice provider. Reaching out to Hospice would be the kindest, most loving gesture of all, to honor her legacy.