Ruth Ann Rice, 75, lost her 15-year battle with papillary thyroid cancer on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at home with her loving husband by her side.

Ruth was born on June 2, 1943, in Austin, Minnesota, to Myrtle and Rollo Rosenthal. She graduated from Austin High School in 1961 and married Walter Stevens in October 1961. They were married until 1978 and had two daughters, Lori and Karen.

In 1988, Ruth found her soul mate in Robert (Bob) Larry Rice. They enjoyed 30 years of marriage and were truly meant to be together. Bob lovingly cared for Ruth so that she could live out the rest of her life at home.

Ruth loved a good joke and always had one ready to share. She looked forward to the “stupid joke of the day” from her grandson, Cody, and liked to tease him about how bad they were. Ruth didn’t miss the opportunity to send a card or note for any occasion. Whether it was for a birthday, anniversary, sympathy, thank you or because she was thinking about you, she made sure she didn’t miss an opportunity to let you know she cared.

Ruth had a big heart and will truly be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Larry Rice; daughters, Lori (Shawn) Mack of Rochester, Minnesota, and Karen (Wayne) Nielsen of Hayfield, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kaylie (Justin) Post, Samuel Sutter, Cody Nielsen, Shelby Nielsen and Cole (Brittney) Nielsen; great-grandchildren, Carter, Layla, and Piper Post and Carson Nielsen; step-children, Robert (Pam) Rice, Lisa (Jim) Turvey, Amy (Jon) Blackstad and Andrew (Lynn) Rice; two brothers, Dale (Shirley) Rosenthal and Jerry (Rhonda) Rosenthal; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Jon (Jean) Rosenthal.

Ruth requested no funeral in lieu of a private memorial service. Rather than a memorial gift, Ruth prefers you take time to visit Bob or send him a note of encouragement.