Sonja Kay Rice

Sonja Kay Rice (Diles) died peacefully at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor on February 9, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 80.

Sonja is survived by her; children, Son, David N. Spriggs, II, JD (Merideth Spriggs) Las Vegas NV, grandchild Jesse Duque, Phoenix, Arizona, Daughter, Lisa D. Bauer, CPA (widowed Chuck Bauer) Reynoldsburg, Ohio grandchildren Jacob Fornof, and Aleandra Fornof, Reynoldsburg, Ohio and Son, William L. Rice, III, DPT. (Krissy Hunter Bach), New Albany, Ohio. Grandchild Austin Bach, Wichita Kansas

Sonja was born on April 28, 1945, in Portsmouth, Ohio to Curtis and Lena Belford Diles, Sr. She graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1964. She married David N. Spriggs, her high school sweetheart in 1965 and was widowed in 1966. Sonja remarried in 1967 to William, L. Rice. In addition to her parents, Sonja was also preceded in death by six brothers, Paul Diles, Curtis Diles, Jr., Travis D. Diles, James M. Diles, Donald L. Diles and Alva E. "Sonny" Diles; and five sisters, Lorraine Traber, Doris Diles, Carolyn Sue Potts, Deloris Walker and Edna Stiltner.

After moving to Reynoldsburg in 1967, Sonja established diverse skills through her various jobs, contributing her talents to several local mainstays, including Peterson Baby Products, JCPenney Distribution, Motorists Insurance, and Larry Flynt Publications. Her career was also marked by her time at Bill Swad Chevrolet and Jeffrey Dresser Manufacturing.

In 1983, Sonja and Bill channeled their passion for service into business ownership, purchasing and operating Aldo's Pizza and Summit Beer and Wine Drive Thru which they ran for a decade.

Beyond her professional life, Sonja had a wide array of talents. She was as comfortable in the kitchen cooking and baking for her large family as she was crafting or roller skating. Both Sonja and Bill were very active in Reynoldsburg Youth Baseball and Reynoldsburg Youth Football and hosting events for both at Aldo's Pizza. Her faith was a cornerstone of her identity, and she was a devoted member of Summit Baptist Church.

Nothing brought Sonja more joy than her role as a mother and grandmother. She was passionate about raising her children, instilling in them a lifelong value for education. Her unwavering support resulted in a legacy of success, as her children grew to become an attorney, a CPA, and a doctorate degree in physical therapy.

In her later years, her grandchildren became the center of her world. She was their biggest fan, rarely missing a band performance or concert. Sonja will be remembered as a generous, funny, and vibrant woman who stayed deeply connected to her family and loved every person she met.

A Funeral/Graveside Service is scheduled for 1 PM at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, 8029 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with a reception to follow. Family and friends may gather at noon at Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home in Reynoldsburg, Ohio prior to proceeding to Sonja's final resting place. Pastor Mark Glenn will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sonja's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Summit Baptist Church at 7239 Summit Rd SW, Pataskala, Ohio 43062. Condolences may be sent to www.pfeifer-woodyard.com. The family would like to thank the teams at Luminary Hospice and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor for their loving care.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.