Anne L. Rice

Anne L. Rice (née: Taylor) age 86, of Mentor, OH, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023 under hospice care surrounded by the love of her family.

Born September 11, 1937, Anne was the daughter of the late Cloyce E. Taylor and the late Helen L. (Seiple) Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold E. Rice; and her daughter, Cathi J. Rice.

Anne was a resident of Mentor, OH for 58 years. She graduated from Ashland High School as the daughter of "Coach Taylor." Those who knew her will not be surprised to learn that Anne was the Senior Council Social Chair, Navy girls' basketball team high scorer, and voted “Most Beautiful” during her senior year of high school. After high school, Anne attended The Ohio State University graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Education. It is at Ohio State where she met her husband of 52 years, Harold “Hal” E. Rice. The two met through a sorority social at the Olentangy River. Anne met the tall, handsome guy who drove a convertible, and she called the next day requesting Hal to take her back to the river to find her lost watch. After celebrating 50 years of marriage, Hal learned that there never was a watch.

Anne was a teacher with Mentor Exempted School District and also coached for Kirtland Schools and Lake Erie College. Anne coached all levels of girls’ summer softball at Mentor Recreation Park, taking travel teams to national competitions in the 1980’s. She dabbled in many ventures, maintained ball diamonds for the City of Mentor, and retired after working for 10 years as a groundskeeper at Mentor Municipal Cemetery. Working at the cemetery was her favorite job, and she wished she had found it sooner.

Stories of neighborhood parties, vacations, boating escapades, and golfing shenanigans with family and friends are countless. Most who knew her can easily recall a funny story or two, always with a healthy dose of good trouble. Anne was a one-of-a-kind, independent spirit who loved people, thrived on new adventures, lived in the moment, and loved to laugh. She always had a sparkle in her eye and a sarcastic sense of humor. She had an open-door policy and was always ready with a cold beer or cup of coffee for anyone who stopped by.

Anne is survived by her daughters, Robinn Steenburg and Traci (Michael R.) Hissam of Mentor; granddaughters, Kyle Steenburg, Lindsey Vargo and Lauren (Chris Beck) Hissam, all of OH; great-grandchildren, Lilah and Ryan Vargo; sister, Jane (Jerry) Ranney of CO; niece, Kimberly (Eric) Durliat of MI; nephew, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Ranney of CA; as well as numerous extended family and dear friends.

Graveside service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Mentor Municipal Cemetery, 6881 Hopkins Rd. Mentor, Section: 23, Lot: 33. All friends are welcome to attend. A luncheon reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192 http://www.hospicewr.org; or Alzheimer’s Association, 8522 East Avenue, Mentor, OH, 44060 http://www.alz.org.