Norma Jane Rice

Norma Jane Rice
12/16/2025
Norma Jane (Wallace) Rice, of Frankfort, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 82. She had been in care after suffering a debilitating stroke over Memorial weekend. Born August 22, 1943, at home in Mackinaw City, Norma enjoyed growing up across from Fort Michilimackinac before its reconstruction and during the Mackinaw bridge construction. She would meet her future husband while visiting family in California who was also doing the same. Jim would travel to Mackinaw to see Norma and the two married in 1964. They purchased a small undeveloped piece of property in Frankfort; a year later, built a home on it, and raised two sons there. In the late 1970's, they purchased Benzie Garbage and grew that business until selling it and building the R&R Motel in the late 1980's.
Norma and James were strong and involved supporters of their community from local government, business, and schools to anyone who needed help in any way. They had many friends and enjoyed various group family outings from canoeing down the Platte to snowmobile/sliding parties. Norma was a lover of plants and animals and over the years cared for many of each. She and Jim spent many hours tending their gardens and were long time supporters of the Animal Welfare League. She loved yard sales and antique hunting and had an affinity for tea pots, amassing quite a collection. Norma enjoyed playing card and board games with family and friends. Chinese checkers with the grandchildren filled her heart. Winning at Cribbage made her shine. She looked forward to her monthly card club gatherings with her girlfriends and scheduled her life around it. They meant a great deal to her and were wonderful friends, even moving their card parties to the Maples during her stay. Norma and her family appreciated the kind care she received from all providers during her time of need.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Charles Wallace and Elsie Ingalls; sister, Nita Bonner; brother, Duane (Patty) Wallace; as well as her husband, James Rice of Frankfort.
She is survived by: older sisters, Shirley Hull, whom she spoke with daily, and Susan Ruger; as well as younger brothers, Charles (Carolyn) Wallace and Nelson Lapoint; in addition to her sons, Michael (Laura) Rice and Gary (Holly) Rice; and grandchildren, Valerie, Justin, Dylan, and Tristen.
A Celebration of Her Life will take place in the spring when Norma and James' ashes and monument are placed at the Gilmore Township Cemetery.
The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.
www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com