Heather Marie Rice

Heather Marie Rice, 54, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motor vehicle accident on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Born March 2, 1970, in Auburn, Indiana she was a daughter of Frederick and Ginny Fryback and the late Danny and Judy (Burniston) Rice. 

She graduated from Northrop High School with the Class of 1988, and obtained an associate's degree from Indiana Business College. Heather worked for Kosciusko Community Hospital as a clinical informaticist. Heather attended Sugar Grove Church of God.

Heather loved to go thrift shopping and collecting frog figurines. Travel became a passion of Heathers with many trips planned for the future. Family was the most important part of her life. She loved spending time with them. Heather lived her life to help and take care of other people. 

Heather is survived by her daughter, Mekynzi (Peter) Ivar; granddaughters, Kayezlin and Violeta Ivar; siblings, Renee (Tony) Howell-DeLieto, Roger Rice, Jennifer Fryback, Danny Rice, Jr., Jason (Elizabeth) Fryback, and Megan (Johnny) Couch; sister-in-law, Melissa Rice; sister of the heart, Jennifer Hardin; cousin, Gina Sabol; many nieces and nephews; and boyfriend, Merle Miller. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Freddie Fryback, and Lance Rice; and nephew, Colton Burns. 

Funeral Service will be at 6:00 pm with visitation from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Heather to assist with her final funeral expenses c/o DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Heather 's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.