We are sad to announce the passing of our mother, Martha Elizabeth (Pulley) Rice, 94, at Suite Living on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She was born September 8, 1928, to the late Cecil Hanford and Ruth Ann (Clay) Pulley in Grant County within ten miles of where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Roll High School, Blackford County, in 1946.
She met and married Edward Albert Rice after he returned from service in World War II on June 28, 1947. They lived in Grant County where they raised their seven children. She loved taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and traveled as much as possible to visit family and friends.
Martha worked at Marion National Bank where she was in charge of the Certificate of Deposit Department from 1960 until her retirement in 1990.
She and Ed were active members of Lugar Creek Wesleyan Church community until it was destroyed by fire. The congregation relocated and named their new home Countryside Chapel Wesleyan where she served as the treasurer for over 55 years.
After her retirement, she and Ed spent many years traveling the country visiting family and friends until his passing in 1993. She kept herself busy by becoming a tour guide for the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her favorite activity was escorting busloads of visitors on tours of the Walkway of Lights. She enjoyed planning Clay/Pulley family reunions that brought together family from all over the nation. And, she kept her mind active with Sudoku, logic and crossword puzzles and, of course, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!
She is survived by her children, Edward, Jr. of Muncie, James (Linda) of Hilton Head, Carol (John) Copeland of Marion, Patti (Murray) Boland of Fishers, and Brenda Rice of Fishers; daughters-in-law, Ginny Rice of Upland and Melissa Rice of Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; sons, Timothy and Michael; daughter-in-law, Belle Rice; sister, Maxine Harvey; brothers, Chester Pulley and Lloyd Pulley and all their spouses; a grandson, and a granddaughter.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a celebration of Martha’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will take place at Jefferson Cemetery, Upland.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion-Grant County Humane Society.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Martha, please visit our floral store.