Bernice W. Rice 102, of Archbold and was residing at Fulton Manor, entered her heavenly home on October 16, 2022.  She was born in Archbold on September 12, 1920 to the late Albert and Mary (Erbes) Rice.  She lived on the family farm and knew the meaning of hard work.  When WWII started Bernice wanted to enlist in the military to become a nurse so she could help the soldiers but her father would not allow her. She then started working at Detwiler Hospital and continued there for several years. She left this job to stay home and take care of her father who was ill until his death. After his death she started working at Sauder Woodworking and retired after 40 years. She was well loved there.

She was a member of St. John's Christian Church in Archbold.  The Women's Guild, Quilting Circle and Crusaders' Sunday School class were a few of the many groups she was actively involved in. She loved tending her flowers after her retirement. She was a kind and gentle person. She liked to talk to people and loved children. She would tell stories of her growing up on the farm. During the summer months she would have her nephews and nieces stay with her on the farm. It was always a fun time. Though she never had any children of her own she treated her nephews and nieces as her own. She was such a giving person. If you needed anything she would do her best to get it for you.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Evelyn (Jack) Hoffman, Betty (Myrl) Henry and Robert (Margaret Ann) Rice. She had 11 nephews and nieces, 35 great nephews and nieces, 50 great-great nephews and nieces and 12 great-great-great nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Christian Church on Friday, October 21, with viewing at 10 AM and her service at 11 AM. Interment will follow in the Archbold Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. John's Christian Education Fund or the donor's choice. www.ShortFuneralHome.com