Marlene A. Rice

Marlene A. Rice, age 79, of Battle Creek, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday afternoon, January 20, 2017. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 31, 1937, the daughter of Marshall E. and Ida S. (Kulsuth) Jaeger.

Marlene married the "Love of Her Life", Richard W. Rice, at the Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek on August 19, 1955. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 62 years, Richard; three children, Clayton Rice, Debra (Duane) Newman, and Michelle Lucero, all of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Matthew Newman, Melissa (Matty Freds) Newman, Alyssa (Lincoln) Fox, and Preston Lucero; two great-grandchildren, Jonah Fox and Stella Fox; a sister, Sandra (Gene) Shutt; and a sister-in-law, Donna Jaeger. Marlene was sadly preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Marshall Jaeger.

A true matriarch, Family was everything to Marlene. She absolutely loved spending time with her family and bragging about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marlene was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and also enjoyed baking, cooking, and shopping, especially shopping to find that perfect gift for everyone.

The family will gather with friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Marlene's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2017. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or the American Heart Association. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Marlene may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.