Diane Marie Rice

Diane Marie (Lewis) Rice, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous seven-year battle with cancer, in which she mostly won, her body acquiesced and she flew into the arms of Jesus. She was 81 years old. Diane was born on May 1, 1944, at McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA. She grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and California University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She met her beloved husband, Mike, while working at the local Kmart over winter break, where he was the store manager. They were married at St. Isaac Joques Parish in Floreffe, PA in 1966. Having moved for most of her adult life with her husband, she resided in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Virginia, and Ohio. She was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom and raise her children during their younger years. She returned to teaching and ultimately sought her Master’s in Administration at Ursuline College. She was the Principal of St. Matthew’s in Newton Falls, Windham, and Ravenna City Schools. After retiring, Diane moved to the Columbus area to be near her children and their growing families in 2010. Diane was known for her loving and generous nature as a mother, grandmother and friend and usually showed up bearing gifts. She loved organizing games, including the Summer Olympics, at our lake house for over 30 children and even had medals for each one. Her second home on Holiday Lakes truly became her “happy place,” and she could not wait to get there to be with her family and friends. Diane’s children and grandchildren were her world. She was the first one to show up at a sporting event, even if it meant traveling three hours to watch. When Diane could not attend in person, she watched the events online. She tutored and taught the kids, drove them to appointments, watched her grand dogs and grandchildren; unselfishly giving of her time. Many condolences and well wishes sent have commented on her kind smile, gentleness, and yet competitive nature when it came to card and board games. She was involved in the Powell Women’s Club and played Mah Jong, Euchre, Hand Knee Foot, Poker and Bridge. During her last few weeks on hospice, she was still a fighter and wanted to know when she was getting better so she could go out to dinner, go shopping, or play cards with her friends again. Her friends were very generous in providing respite care to her daughter and her husband. Diane is survived by her three children; Michelle (Mike) Biagi, Jeffrey (Jill) Rice, and Jeremy Rice; her grandchildren, Brooke and Mark Biagi, Avery, Blake, Jack and Elise Rice. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Anna Mae (Thornton) Lewis, her beloved husband Mike, her sisters, Maureen Lewis and Loretta (Bill) Bittle. She looked forward to meeting her brother, Eric Daniel, who died during childbirth and spoke of their heavenly encounter often. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Joan of Arc, 10700 Liberty Rd S, Powell, Ohio 43065, on 10/10/25 at 10 a.m. Interment is at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N High St, Lewis Center, OH 43035. A luncheon will follow the interment at St Joan of Arc. The family would love to greet and visit with attendees during the bereavement meal. .

Diane Marie Rice

May 1, 1944 - September 28, 2025