Shirley Helen Rice

It is with heavy hearts and immeasurable love that we announce the passing of Shirley "G-Ma" Rice on October 28, 2025, in Louisville, KY. She was 93.
Shirley is survived by her five children: Kathy Rice, Dan Rice, Beverly Rice (Sam) Scott, Donna (John) Meyer, and Jennifer Rice (John) Gates; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and 24 nieces and nephews.
Shirley Helen Simon was born in Cincinnati, OH, on September 4, 1932, to the late Edmond and Lillian Simon. She was the middle child, preceded in death by her sisters Jeanne Macaluso and Verna Simon.
In her earlier life, she graduated from Mother of Mercy High School and worked as a secretary at Kroger's business offices, where she met lifelong friends.
"Shirl" married the love of her life, Jack Christopher Rice, on her 21st birthday in 1954, in Northern Kentucky. They met on a blind date at Graeter's Ice Cream, a downtown Cincinnati landmark, where they shared sodas and their love of laughter, planting the seed that would blossom into the Rice family tree.
A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Shirley lived her life in service to her family and community.
As the family matriarch, motherhood was Shirley's greatest passion.
When she wasn't shuttling her kids around to school or sports, she could be found rifling through her recipe box, cooking a pot of chili, or baking a cherry pie (Jack's favorite). Her recipe collection was compiled into a self-published cookbook in 2013 and shared with family and friends.
She was a gracious host and domestic doyenne who would never hesitate to feed a crowd.
The five Rice children were raised during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s in charming Cincinnati neighborhoods; their homes on Glenmont Lane, Country Hills, and Forestview Lane boasted big backyards that were always buzzing with activities, games, and lively parties.
Shirley and Jack shared a love for gardening, crafting beautiful gardens for each of their family homes. Shirley also served as president of a local gardening club.
When her youngest child, Jennifer, set off to college, Shirley began a second career at a bridal registry at Shillito's, a historic Cincinnati department store, where she delightfully assisted brides-to-be for over a decade. "Shirley knows her stuff," is what they'd always say.
A devout Catholic with a strong faith, Shirley volunteered for the Little Sisters of the Poor, where she continued the work of her late husband, Jack, after his untimely passing in 2006.
To be near family, Shirley spent her final years at The Grand Senior Living retirement community in Prospect, KY. She passed away peacefully in hospice at Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, where she was surrounded by loved ones for one last happy hour.
Shirley was blessed to live a long and healthy life. Strong and resilient, her vivacious spirit is a testament to her longevity; a full and impassioned life brimming with love and laughter. This is the legacy that she leaves behind - and the gift to her large and ever-expanding family.
Funeral arrangements for Shirley are being made through Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home in Louisville, and a reception will follow at The Grand. A memorial service and celebration of life are planned for the summer of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Shirley's memory to the Cincinnati Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.