Rice, Mayford L.

Mayford “Mike” L. Rice, of Amherst, age 81, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at St. Michaels Hospital in Stevens Point. He was born in the Town of Royalton on October 11, 1929, the son of Howard and Alice (Ravey) Rice. Mike was a proud Marine, serving his country from November 27, 1951, to November 5, 1953. For 35 years, Mike was a mechanic, working for Steibs in Waupaca and Cooper Auto in Stevens Point. He had also been a CNA for 12 years at the Wisconsin Veterans Home. Mike was an avid motorcyclist. Mike is survived by his wife, Marion and daughter, Michelle Law of Amherst; former wife, Joanne Rice of Waupaca, and their children: Mickey (Nancy) Rice, Mark (Brenda) Rice, and Mike (Rhonda) Rice, all of Waupaca; Mary Jo Schroth, (special friend Jim Anderson) of Plover, and Matt (Sandy) Rice of Weyauwega; former wife Ardyce Schroeder of Waupaca; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Rice of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Melvin; sister-in-law, Lillian Rice; and a grandson, Jay Bradley Rice. A memorial service was held Friday, April 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca. Rev. John Jordens officiated. Visitation was from 6 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial of cremains and military honors will be at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. The family has established a memorial fund for Ministry Home Care (Hospice) in Mike’s name.