Cheryl Anne Rice

Cheryl Anne Rice, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, at the age of 76 in Salem, Oregon. Born on January 25, 1948, in Silverton, Oregon, Cheryl's life was marked by her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness that touched everyone she knew.

Cheryl's father was in the Army, so she moved a lot. She spent time in Georgia, Washington, and spent her high school years in Fairbanks, Alaska, at Lathrope High School from 1962-1966 before returning to Oregon to graduate from Stayton High School. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to attend the University of Alaska for a year, where she embraced the vibrant local culture.

She eventually made Salem Oregon her home after reconnecting with Craig Nelson Rice and the two being married on January 21, 1968.

Her professional life was dedicated to serving others as an Administrative Assistant for Marion County Building Inspection from 1977 until her retirement in 2003. Cheryl's heroism shone brightly in 1984 when she was honored by the Marion County Sheriff's office for her courageous act of saving a neighbor's life.

Cheryl's faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Bible Baptist Church in Salem, Oregon. Her interests were as nurturing as her personality, with passions that included quilting, cross-stitch, sewing, canning, and gardening. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her joy for camping and cherishing time spent with her beloved family.

Left to honor Cheryl and remember her love are her husband, Craig Nelson Rice; her son, Darren Rice; her grandchildren, Hayden, Taylor, Colton Rice, Jenna Barnhart (Wedel), and Carson Teasdale; and her siblings, Susan Parkinson and Timothy Hand. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Art and Doris (Hicks) Hand, her sister Dawn Mattos, and her daughter, Karla Christine (Crissy) Teasdale.

Cheryl's legacy is one of boundless love, as she was the epitome of a loving, gentle, and kind soul. Her life's story is a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived and the countless lives she enriched. While she will be profoundly missed, the warmth of her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.