Eva L. Rice

Eva Lee (Allen) Rice, age 95, of Koontz Lake, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on September 28, 2025. She was born on January 22, 1930, to the late Willie and Minnie Allen. On November 13, 1950, Eva married the love of her life, Herman Rice. Together they built a loving family and shared many cherished years. Eva’s life was defined by her devotion to family, her strong faith, and her loving spirit. She was a God-fearing, praying woman who worked hard and loved deeply. As the rock of her family for five generations, she was known for her dedication, determination, and fearless honesty. She never let her family go without—providing a loving home while also working full-time—and she taught them everything she knew, passing down not only her knowledge but also her values of hard work, simple living, and faith in God. After the early loss of her mother, she shared a close-knit bond with her siblings and helped raise some of them, shaping their lives with the same love and strength she gave to her children and grandchildren. She found joy in her garden and delighted in sharing its bounty. A fresh meal was always waiting on her table, and her homemade cornbread became a symbol of her hospitality and care. Though she could be unfiltered and opinionated, she was equally giving and tender, especially when holding the babies of the next generation. Eva’s simplicity, resilience, and unwavering faith leave behind a legacy as rich as the love she poured into her family. Her strength and her prayers will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her daughters, Flora Tibbetts and Bonnie (James) Hoeppner; grandchildren Rhonda (Jeff) Hurford, Marlene Shively (life partner Tracey), Jeremy (Megan) Hoeppner, and Christopher (Heather) Hoeppner. Great-grandchildren include Gregory (Kim) Collins, Blake (Jessica) Hurford, Mia Shively (life partner Kalif), Maddison (Korey) Knafel, Jami (Braxton) Moorefield, Mason (Emily) Shively, Nolan, Cole, Logan, Canaan, Renee, and bonus great-grandchild Cydnie. Great-great-grandchildren include Sophia, Audrey, Axton, August, Kinslee, Bristal, Kalan, Wayne, and bonus great-great-grandchild Oliver. Also surviving are her siblings, Madge Whickcar, Clifford Allen, and William Allen Jr. Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Rice; her parents, Willie and Minnie Allen; her six sisters, Mildred Bays, Margie Minix, Adgie Allen, Mazie Heister, Ruby Minix, and Ruth Howard; her four brothers, Grover Allen, Clarence Allen, Cletis (Jack) Allen, and Warren Allen; and her great-great-grandson, Alec. Services Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025 (Eastern Time), followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and burial to follow will take place at Grovertown Cemetery. A family dinner will be held afterward at the Koontz Lake Association, hosted by Koontz Lake Missionary Church.

Eva L. Rice

January 22, 1930 - September 28, 2025