Ralph J. Rice, 75, of Thompsontown, passed away at 3:33 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at his residence.

Born on January 12, 1947 in Thompsontown, Juniata Co., he is the son of the late Sylvester J. “Dutch” Rice Sr. and Charlotte (Orwan) Rice McGowan.

He is survived by his two sons, Ralph Rice Jr. and Sylvester (Jay) Rice; two grandchildren, Tyler and Amber Rice; nine siblings, Harry Rice and his wife Nancy of Thompsontown, Robert Rice and his wife Eileen of Millerstown, Bessie Speece and her husband Dwayne of Mifflintown, Patsy Maneval and her husband Elwood of Thompsontown, Jeannie Bowers and her husband Harold of Camp Hill, Paul Rice and his wife Pam of McAlisterville, Shirley Hargett and her husband Frank of Mifflin, Helen Smith and her companion Wes Smith of Mifflintown, and Anna Beachel and her husband Terry of Thompsontown; several generations of nieces and nephews; his friends; and his Church family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Rice; and two brothers, Sylvester J. Rice, Jr. and Kenny McGowan.

Ralph was a member of Stony Run Mission in McAlisterville.

He loved to be in the presence of company and enjoyed watching birds, going out to eat, car rides, having children to his home for egg hunts, Curious George, family get togethers, singing on the porch, working on crafts, helping in the kitchen when he was able to, and his Elf on the Shelf shenanigans that made his day; however, he loved his Christmas tree in his house so much that he didn’t want it taken down so it was decorated for the different seasons.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 20, 2022 at the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville with Pastor Nick Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Maze Cemetery.

A viewing will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the funeral services at 2:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.