Arthur Rice, 93

Arthur Gardner Rice died peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida at the age of 93. He was born on May 28, 1931 in Centreville to George and Faith (Gardner) Rice. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agriculture. He was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County.  He married Doris Patricia VanRiper (Pat), in February 1956 and the couple was blessed with four children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Pat preceded him in death on March 4, 2015.

Art enjoyed living his life on his family’s sesquicentennial farm, Mammoth Grove Farms. He lived a life of service and was a role model of how to live as an active member of his community. After graduation he served his country as a tank driver in the Army.  Upon his return, he served his local community by being on the Centreville School Board, Lockport Township Supervisor, and St. Joseph County Board of Directors.  Art was a leader within the agricultural industry by serving on the Board of Directors of both MMPA (Michigan Milk Producers Association) and Farm Credit Service.  He was an accomplished farmer receiving many awards and commendations for his conservation, management and production, including being named Farm Manager of the Year in 1981 by MSU.

Above all he served his family and his church.  He was a devoted husband to Pat for 59 years, and they were role models for their family and those who knew them.  He supported his family in all their pursuits, 4-H, sports, education, and their careers and families.    He was immensely proud of his grandchildren in all their achievements and goals.  He faithfully served the Centreville United Methodist Church by his prayers, presence, gifts and service.  He was active in ways too numerous to count, serving in nearly every capacity at one time or another, both official and unofficial.

Art is survived by his children; daughter Karen (Curly) Hackenberg, and her daughters Christina (Keith) Doucette  and Andrea (Aaron) Mason and great grandsons Barrett, Colton, Jeriah and Boaz Mason; daughter Marianne (Jim) Plaunt, their son Adam (Jasmine) Plaunt and great grandsons Aiden and Zephyr, and great granddaughter Madison, and son Jason Plaunt; son, Larry (Deb) Rice, their children Rachael, Sarah and Hannah (fiancé Avin Bommakanti) Rice; daughter, Barbara (Allen) Dobbs, and her daughter Nicole (Len) Smothermon and great granddaughter Shay and great grandsons Grady and Zane. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Evelyn Jacobs and Gloria Condon, and grandson Brent Stephenson.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM and Saturday April 12, 2025, at 10 to 11 AM at the Centreville United Methodist Church. A memorial service to celebrate Art’s life is scheduled for Saturday April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the church. All are welcome to attend. Memorial donations may be given to the Centreville United Methodist Church, 304 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032. Please sign Art’s online guest book and leave a memory for his family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.