Charles A. Rice, age 63 passed away on February 13, 2017 at the family home, west of Glasgow, Montana from complications of diabetes and heart disease.
Charles was born on September 21, 1953 in Glasgow, Montana to Thomas R. and Lucile P. Rice. Charles lived his life in the Glasgow area. He graduated from Glasgow High School in 1971.
After completing High School, Charles attended Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana graduating in June of 1977 with a Bachelors Degree in elementary education. Upon his completion of higher education schooling, he student taught in the Irle School in Glasgow Montana and became a full time elementary teacher at the Northstar Elementary School at the Glasgow Air Force Base and at the Glasgow School District and especially at the Eastside School and Southside School for 22 years. Thomas and Charles ran the family farm at the same time as Charles teaching career. Mr. Rice as he was fondly known by his students, retired from teaching in 2002. He then spent his time running the family farm and taking care of his aging parents until their passing.
Charles was well liked by his students and the teaching staff. He had a caring way for students needing extra attention and was always kind-hearted and patient with helping them learn their studies. He helped many a student in the 5th and 6th grades pass the grade successfully. He enjoyed the teaching aspect of the job and his students antics. He relished the teacher get-togethers for many a scheduled pot lucks. He had a patient loving heart and was generous with teaching people many things outside of the school situation also. Charles was a faithful son, devoted brother, fantastic friend with a mischievous nature and terrible teaser who could pester you unrelentingly. He will be sorely missed by all the family and friends that he has left behind.
Charles is survived by Brother Richard Rice and spouse Darlene Rice of E. Wenatchee, WA; Nieces Dawn Goins (husband Rick, and their children: Kelcey (son, Alex), Shay, Brooke, Gabby, Gabe) of Spokane, WA; Niece Kris Sanders (husband Craig, and children: Christopher (wife, Charli & son, Matthew), Kelsey (husband, Gabe), Brittney, Ashley) of Colbert, WA; Nephew Robert Rice (wife Margie, and their children: Jasmine, Chelsea, Kaylee) of Quincy, WA. Sister Cherie’ Lowry and spouse Michael Lowry of Palmer, Alaska, step-children Michele Jensen (husband Joe, and their children Dariane, and Natasha) of Pasco WA, Darren Lowry (daughter Riley Morten-Lowry) of Alaska. He is also survived by the many friends, family and acquaintances that he has burned favorite memories into their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Valley County Historical Society in Charles name.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Funeral services will be Friday, February 24, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Burial will follow services at Highland Cemetery. A reception will be held following burial (2:30 PM) at the Glasgow Elks Lodge.