Sharon Rice
May 21st, 1955 - March 24th, 2025
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Sharon's Obituary
The world lost a radiant light with the passing of Sharon Rice, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the age of 69 (a favorite number of hers). Sharon a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, friend will be missed by many. Sharon, who lived her life as a true, kind, loving spirit known for her loving heart and her boundless, endless love.
She embraced everyone she met with warmth and acceptance. Her gentle nature and kind spirit touched the lives of countless people.
Born Sharon Lou Cunningham on May 21st,1955 to her late parents, Iona Beatrice Busse and William Harry Cunningham Sr. in Illinois. Sharon grew up in southern Illinois with her parents and 7 siblings. Sharon moved to Michigan when she was just 17 years old.
Sharon, a proud hippie at heart, believed in peace, love and the beauty of the simple things in life. Whether she was spending time with loved ones, crafting, making those special cards for everyone, cooking, baking, making special cakes or desserts for any and all occasions or simply appreciating the world around her. Her laughter contagious, her smile lighting up any room. She embodied a deep sense of love and harmony.
Above all she ADORED her family. Sharon met and married the love of her life, Donald Rice, whom she shared 51+ years of marriage. Their two personalities matched so well they seemed to be destined to stay together for as long as life held out. Anyone that spent time with the two of them could tell they were made for each other. They loved each other deeply and cared for each other every single day.
Donald brought two children into their marriage, "Young Don" and Vicky, Sharon welcomed and loved them immediately. Sharon and Donald went on to have 2 more children together, Raymond and Jeremy.
Sharon loved all of the children and above all adored being around her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her endless joy. Among the grandchildren was Brady, her "favorite grandchild", a playful joke that brought smiles to all that knew her.
She has shared countless cherished memories with each of them, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will endure for generations.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Donald, their children Don (Muriel) Rice: Indiana, Vicki Patterson: Michigan, Raymond (Amanda) Rice: Wisconsin and Jeremy Rice: Michigan, her siblings Bill Jr (Doris) Cunningham: Illinois, Gail Jackson: Nevada, Tina Middleton: Colorado, Jerry Cunningham: Illinois, Reba Hofer (S/O Steve): Nevada, Margie Wood: Illinois and Ronda Vetter (S/O Tim), Wisconsin. She is also survived and loved by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many friends including her TriPond Camping friends: Dave & Mary, Jan & Keith, Melissa & Steve, Heather &
Jeramiah, Mark & Monica, and many other friends, too many to mention.
A celebratory service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Starks and Menchinger Chapel (2650 Niles Rd.) with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to the Frankel Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan.
Sharon loved classic rock, her favorite being Alice Cooper. So, in the words of Alice Cooper in his song "I Am Made of You" from his album "WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE"
"No matter where you are, I'll always be around"
Gods Speed Sharon, Gods Speed.
She embraced everyone she met with warmth and acceptance. Her gentle nature and kind spirit touched the lives of countless people.
Born Sharon Lou Cunningham on May 21st,1955 to her late parents, Iona Beatrice Busse and William Harry Cunningham Sr. in Illinois. Sharon grew up in southern Illinois with her parents and 7 siblings. Sharon moved to Michigan when she was just 17 years old.
Sharon, a proud hippie at heart, believed in peace, love and the beauty of the simple things in life. Whether she was spending time with loved ones, crafting, making those special cards for everyone, cooking, baking, making special cakes or desserts for any and all occasions or simply appreciating the world around her. Her laughter contagious, her smile lighting up any room. She embodied a deep sense of love and harmony.
Above all she ADORED her family. Sharon met and married the love of her life, Donald Rice, whom she shared 51+ years of marriage. Their two personalities matched so well they seemed to be destined to stay together for as long as life held out. Anyone that spent time with the two of them could tell they were made for each other. They loved each other deeply and cared for each other every single day.
Donald brought two children into their marriage, "Young Don" and Vicky, Sharon welcomed and loved them immediately. Sharon and Donald went on to have 2 more children together, Raymond and Jeremy.
Sharon loved all of the children and above all adored being around her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her endless joy. Among the grandchildren was Brady, her "favorite grandchild", a playful joke that brought smiles to all that knew her.
She has shared countless cherished memories with each of them, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will endure for generations.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband Donald, their children Don (Muriel) Rice: Indiana, Vicki Patterson: Michigan, Raymond (Amanda) Rice: Wisconsin and Jeremy Rice: Michigan, her siblings Bill Jr (Doris) Cunningham: Illinois, Gail Jackson: Nevada, Tina Middleton: Colorado, Jerry Cunningham: Illinois, Reba Hofer (S/O Steve): Nevada, Margie Wood: Illinois and Ronda Vetter (S/O Tim), Wisconsin. She is also survived and loved by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many friends including her TriPond Camping friends: Dave & Mary, Jan & Keith, Melissa & Steve, Heather &
Jeramiah, Mark & Monica, and many other friends, too many to mention.
A celebratory service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Starks and Menchinger Chapel (2650 Niles Rd.) with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to the Frankel Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan.
Sharon loved classic rock, her favorite being Alice Cooper. So, in the words of Alice Cooper in his song "I Am Made of You" from his album "WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE"
"No matter where you are, I'll always be around"
Gods Speed Sharon, Gods Speed.
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