Benjamin Calvin Rice's Obituary
Benjamin Calvin Rice passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his side on April 18, 2016, in South Jordan, Utah. Ben was born October 12, 1938, in San Bernardino, California, to Robert Elzie Rice and Martha Francis Harris.
His stories of growing up in Southern California with his brothers, Frank and Jim, are filled with adventure and happiness. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while serving in the Army in San Francisco and served a church mission to Montana.
He met his beautiful wife, Loneta Pettit, on a blind date in Bakersfield and they were married in the Manti Temple on November 2, 1962. Ben and Loneta are the parents of 15 children: Ben (Debbie) Rice, Jim (Tish) Rice, Debi (Steve) Mortensen, Becky (Rick) Ware, Michelle (Paul) Higginson, Elizabeth (Guy) Terpening, Raymond (Courtney) Rice, Martha (Trenton) Hill, Dan (Marian) Rice, Anna (Jeremy) Clark, Cathy (Derek) Korby, Tamara (David) Kenney, John Rice, Austin (Kim) Rice, Jessica (Joel) Beevers. They have 48 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Ben practiced law for 35 years in Idaho, enjoyed painting and working outdoors, and spent his retirement surrounded by family in North Carolina, Florida, and Utah. During his retirement, he served as a temple worker in the Columbia, South Carolina Temple every Saturday for four years.
Ben was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Martha and John O’Connor, and his brothers, Frank and Jim, who he has been joyfully reunited with.
The family wishes to thank the nurses of Canyon Home Care and Hospice, Dr. Caryn Slack, and the South Jordan and West Jordan Fire Departments for their compassionate assistance in his final hours.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the LDS chapel at 9750 South 2200 West, South Jordan, Utah 84095 at noon. The family will receive visitors from 11:00-11:45am.
A second memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the LDS Chapel in Lincolnton, North Carolina at noon. The family will receive visitors from 11:00-11:45am. Ben will be laid to rest in the Lindner family cemetery near Benton, Tennessee.
What’s your fondest memory of Benjamin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Benjamin?
Share a story where Benjamin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Benjamin you’ll never forget.
How did Benjamin make you smile?