Beth Ann Rice

Beth Anne Rice, 69, went to her heavenly home on March 30, 2025, after a courageous 2-year battle with ovarian cancer. Surrounded by family at her Canal Winchester home of 43 years, Beth passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

Born in Lancaster, OH, and raised in Willoughby, OH, she graduated from Willoughby South High School and Capital University in Bexley, OH. Although she received numerous awards throughout her academic experience, being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both schools topped them all.

Beth enjoyed adventure and spent abundant time in the great outdoors, hiking and biking in many beautiful parks, her favorite being Yosemite. In 2000, with her husband, she thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, and in 2004, she biked the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail from Oregon to Virginia. Throughout her life, Beth’s kindness, intelligence, humor, and faith enriched countless lives. Her unwavering love for the Lord Jesus was consistently shown through the support and comfort she offered to those around her.

Preceded in death by her father, Rev. Paul Klopfer, Beth is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Jan Rice; mother, Elizabeth (Inloes) Klopfer; sisters, Deborah Klopfer, Christine (Michael) Jacobs, Cindy (Dennis) Morehart; nephew, Joshua Jacobs; niece, Ashley (Alex) Horan-Jacobs; as well as cousins, friends, church family; and felines, Chloe & Oreo, who will all miss her infectious smile and look forward to the day they will all be together again!

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Laura Chambers and the entire Gynecologic Oncology team at The James, as well as Capital City Hospice nurses for their loving care and support.

Family and friends will be received Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 650 W. Waterloo St. Canal Winchester OH 43110 and Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10-11 am at Peace Free Lutheran Church 28 Elm St, Canal Winchester, OH 43110.

A funeral service officiated by Pastor Steven Carlson will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Interment will take place at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens, Canal Winchester, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peace Free Lutheran Church or The Ohio State University Foundation, 14 E. 15th Ave. Columbus OH 43201, memo line: Gynecologic Oncology Development Fund 308907, in memory of Beth Rice OR visit https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/308907.