Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Martha Jane Rice
FUNERAL HOME
Martha Rice Obituary
Martha Jane Shepard Rice, 87, of Palatka, passed from this life on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia / Flagler in Port Orange following an extended illness.
Born in Cochran, Georgia, Martha resided in Palatka since 1945. She was a 1956 graduate of Palatka Senior High School. Martha had worked at the City Drug Store in downtown Palatka for over 25 years. She had also been active in the women's auxiliary of the Putnam County Shrine Club and years ago had been a member of Lemon Heights Baptist Church.
In years past, Martha enjoyed water skiing and in later years, she loved dancing, traveling and going to casinos. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David N. Rice; her parents, R.Q. "Shep" and Helen Shepard; and a brother, David Shepard.
Martha is survived by her children, Tracy Morgan (Gene) of Daytona Beach Shores, Barry Mast (Vicki) of Palatka, Kristi Nettles (Steve) of East Palatka and Blair Mast (Joni) of St. Augustine; a brother, Daniel Shepard (Charlene) of Palatka; a sister-in-law, Debra Shepard of Palatka; 9 grandchildren, Kelli Kaye Hilligus (Bruce), Kasi Morgan, Griffin Mast (Sarah), Alexis Lewis (Dale), Paul Mast, Josh Nettles (Emma), Jordan Nettles Tilton (Jordan), Kaitlyn Lebel (Stephen) and Quinton Mast (fiancé Danielle Lauzon); and 9 great-grandchildren, Ryan Hilligas, Taigen Lebel, Tripp Lebel, Annabelle Tilton, Lily Tilton, Ellory Tilton, Orion Mast, Garrett Mast, Dalton Lewis and expecting Grayson Mast soon.
Services celebrating Martha's life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Pastor Terry Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Martha's Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Rice
Sponsored by Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home - Palatka Chapel.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Martha Rice's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Martha Rice
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home - Palatka Chapel307 South Palm Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
How to support Martha's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martha Rice's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
