Francis “Franc” H. Rice of Helena, MT passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Francis was born on September 6, 1931 to Thomas Rice and Florence Hope Rice. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Helena High School in 1949. He worked as a mechanics helper and “oiler” on heavy equipment building roads in Alaska. Francis served in the Army 1952-1953 as a mechanic in the motor pool during the Korean War.
Using the G.I. Bill, Francis attended MSU (UofM) at Missoula; he graduated June 1959 in Business Administration. After graduation he worked in Los Angeles, California as a finance company loan officer and Insurance Claims Adjuster.
Francis worked 34 years for three State of Montana agencies. He left Public Employee’s Retirement System to become a partner and co-manager of Linder-Kind Lumber Company. He was with Linder-Kind Lumber for about two years, and then started working with the Montana Department of Transportation. He retired from MDT in 1999. He later worked 10 years as a Sr. Tax Advisor for H&R Block, retiring in 2011
Francis was Master and Secretary of the Masonic, Helena Lodge No. 3, active in Masonic youth groups, on several Methodist Church Boards and other organizations. He enjoyed hunting and swimming. He participated in Master swim meets in his mid-50’s.
Francis is preceded in death by his parents; brother Gene Rice, sister Ruby Ann Heisey and brother-in-law Noel Heisey, Boise, ID; father and mother in-law Ronald and Mildred Biggerstaff . He is survived by his wife, Ardis, of 50+ years; daughters Joanna (Keith) Reagan, Germany, Natalee (Dave) Vick, Seattle, WA; son, Terry Rice, Portland, OR; daughter, Jereen Rice (Steve Hankes), Ann Arbor, MI; sister Esther (Kyle) Dearing of Vancouver, WA; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Rice of Helena; and seven grandchildren, Shane and Kayla Reagan, Sam Vick, Albert and Henry Rice, and Grace and Elizabeth Hankes; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be sent to Intermountain Children’s Home, Helena, MT, Shrine Hospitals for Children at www.shrinershospitals.org or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m
Monday March 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena ,
Reception
After Service
Monday March 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena , MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Monday March 31, 2014
Montana Sate Veteran Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m
Monday March 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena ,
Reception
After Service
Monday March 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena , MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Monday March 31, 2014
Montana Sate Veteran Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Merry Lou Casteel says
Dear Ardis and family, we are sorry for your loss, Franc was one of the nicest people we have ever met. Love and prayers, Merry Lou, Jack, Charlie, and Kellie
Larry and Chris Hoffman says
Dear Ardis and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of you in the loss of your precious husband, father, and grandfather. Frank has always been a loyal and kind, compassionate man. We enjoyed “neighboring” with you for so many younger years. Frank will be sorely missed by all. Our love and blessings go out to all of the family. Ardis, we will hold you in our prayers for courage and strength during this difficult time. God Bless!
Dee Strizich says
Ardis and family we are so sorry for your loss. Your home was a home away from home for our two boys when they were young. We all have such wonderful memories still. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
George Lane says
Ardis,
On behalf of the Brothers of Boulder-Basin #41 we grieve for your loss. Brother Frank was a good man and a great Mason. It was a honor to have him in join with us in Lodge. On a personal note Frank was one of the reasons I became a Master Mason. He was an inspiration.
Ferrin Spivey says
Ardis, Kerm and Family,
My sincere condolence for your loss. Franc was a great man and will be dearly missed. I have many fond memories with the Rice family dating back to 1975. Franc lives on in all of you, thanks for being such wonderful people. Kerm, thanks for being a true friend for the past 40 years.
Verna E. Waddomgtpm says
Ardis and family:
I worked with Franc for four years at PERS and then for a season at H & R Block. What a gentle man he was…many wonderful memories of his loving kindness. God bless you all and cherish the precious memories. My prayers are with all of you.
Verna E. Waddington
Ann Nickel says
Ardis and Family,
I worked with Franc at PERS for a couple of years. He was a kind man who was so proud of his family. You will be in my prayers!
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
To the Entire Rice Family,
We are saddened to hear that Franc passed away. We so enjoyed his wisdom and solid principles that he shared with local Republican organizations, seeing him every week at Pachyderms for lunch and his always positive, upbeat approach was a delight. We will all miss him at our gatherings. You are in our prayers at this difficult time, Franc is going to truly be missed. What a truly fine gentleman he was!
Laura (Bryson) Axtman says
To the Entire Rice Family,
I was so saddened to hear that Franc had passed away; you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your home was always such a wonderful place that was made of love and kindness.
Joanne Homier says
Dear Ardis and family,
I was saddened to learn of Franc’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle man with a wonderful smile. Our time to visit was always at the NAMI summer picnic. I looked forward to having the time to “catch up” on the events in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
George and Jackie Lloyd says
DEAR ARDIS AND FAMILY,
So sorry hear about Franc passing, we were great neighbors for years. such a kind person.
George and Jackie
Sherrie Ness Bertrand says
Sorry for your loss Franc was a very nice gentle man
Thoughtful person he will be missed
Paula McCormick says
Such a blessing to have such a wonderful, caring man in our family. I am so glad that I was able to see him last month. My family really enjoyed his visit 2 summers ago wih Terry and the boys. Uncle will be greatly missed.
Kevin Heisey says
Dear Ardis and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so happy I had the chance to break away from this busy world to see him and it was such a pleasure to see him last month. His wit was still as sharp as I remember. He will always have a place in in my heart, I will never forget what a gentleman he was. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Michelle and Josh Talseth says
Franc will be missed and memories of him held dear .He was a great person and we loved him here at H and R block very much.
Tracy Lloyd-Witter says
Ardis & Family – I was sadden to hear about the passing of Franc. I have many memories of growing up across the street and spending time with your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Diana DeCroff says
Uncle Francis was a kind and gentle spirit. He had a special influence in my life. I will miss him and his advice. I am glad I had one of his hugs when we saw each other last month. My prayers are with his family.
Gilda Clancy says
Dear Ardis and family,
I got to know Franc at Pachyderm and really enjoyed our visits. My prayers are with you!
Michael & Cherie' (Rice) Lowry says
I remember cousin Francis as a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man whose words of wisdom were profound. I have fond memories of my Dad and Mom discussing politics and religion with him around the dining room table. He is greatly missed here on earth and our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family. His now at peace and with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In loving Memory…
Michael & Cherie’ (Rice) Lowry
Phyllis Michelson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ardis, and with your whole family. There are so many of us at St. Paul’s who will love and support you through this difficult time!
Robert Temple says
Sorry for your loss.
From you class in 1962 at Ray Bjork.
Terry Rice says
Thanks Pop. Love and miss you.