Mrs. Mary Elaine Rice, 95, of Galesburg, Illinois, died 9:45 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.
She was born January 13, 1929, in Gilson, Illinois to Ralph and Mary V. (Reynolds) Brush. She married Frank H. Rice on March 21, 1948, in Granite City, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 4, 2019.
Surviving is a son, Steven C. (and Janet) Rice of Silvis, Illinois, three daughters, Kathy (and Bill) Thomas of Oquawka, Illinois, Janet (and Lee) Powers of Galesburg, and Mary Ann (and Dave) Nelson of Galesburg, two sisters, Jane (and Jerry) Miller of Sperry, Iowa and Barbara (and Joe) Parmenter of Guthrie, Oklahoma, nine grandchildren, nine step grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, , and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Francis Brush, Ronald Brush, and Wayne Brush, and six sisters, Mildred Jefferson, Betty Abel, Darlene McCormick, Linda Hall, Martha Upton and Beverly Bishop.
Elaine was born and raised in Gilson and moved to Cameron, Illinois in 1969. She graduated Gilson High School in 1946. She worked in the Cafeteria at Knox College and also worked for Park Drive Dairy, both in Galesburg. She was a receiving inspector for Maytag Manufacturing Company in Galesburg for 25 years and retired in 1991. She was a member of the Cameron Christian Church. She enjoyed camping, square dancing, traveling, bowling, cooking and especially baking. Elaine and Frank enjoyed spending winters together in Tucson, Arizona. The past four and a half years, Elaine enjoyed the activities at the Woodridge Living Center and made several new friends. She was the best Mother and Grandmother and will be missed by all who know her.
As Elaine requested, cremation will be accorded. The memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Pastor Jeff Morrow will officiate. A private burial will be in Silent Home Cemetery in Cameron. Memorials may be made to the Cameron Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
