Miriam J. Rice

Miriam J. Burkhart Rice, age 95, formerly of Huntington, died at 7:03 p.m. Saturday (April 3, 2010) at the Heritage Pointe in Warren. Mrs. Rice was born on February 3, 1915 in Shelby County to Arthur G. and Dorothy Mae (Marshall) Hilligoss. She graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1932. She was a cheerleader and also was inducted into the Huntington County Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. On October 20, 1934, Miriam married Eldon F. Burkhart in Huntington County and he preceded her in death on December 13, 1977. She married Gerald O. Rice on July 21, 1984 and he also preceded her in death on March 25, 2005. Miriam retired as the Food Services Director at Whitley County Memorial Hospital after 9 years of service. She worked for J.C. Penney Company in Huntington for 9 years. Miriam was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Women’s Circle, a member of the Order of Eastern Star Floral Chapter #75, a member of the Huntington Memorial Hospital Guild and the Rebekah Lodge all in Huntington and member of the Red Hatters of Heritage Pointe, Warren. She was an excellent seamstress, crocheted many afghans, doilies, and sweaters, and raised African Violets that won blue ribbons at the Warren Fair. She loved playing cards, especially Euchre and Pinochle, with her many friends. Survivors include three daughters – Janelle (Ronald) Jackson of Fort Wayne, Janet Sue (and the late Larry) Miltenberger of Fishers and Jean Ann (Ray) Shipley of Las Cruces, New Mexico; two step-daughters – Janet Sue (Donald S.) Willis of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Carla Jean (David) Knoop of College Station, Texas; one brother – Max Hilligoss of Columbia City; six grandchildren – Kim (Ken) Pedersen of Fort Wayne, Bret (Brenda) Jackson of Fort Wayne, Scott (Rolanda) Miltenberger of Indianapolis, Mike (Cindy) Miltenberger of Indianapolis, Wendy Shipley of Concord, California, John (Kathy) Shipley of El Paso, Texas; three step-grandchildren – Douglas (Teri) Willis of Sorrento, Florida, Diane Douglas (Ed) Cortright of Fairview, North Carolina, Kris (Jacque) Knoop of College Station, Texas; eleven great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands and one brother – Robert Hilligoss. Visitation will be from 2 – 4 p.m. Wednesday (April 7, 2010) at the Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel, 801 Huntington Avenue, Warren and also from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday (April 7, 2010) at Bailey-Love Mortuary. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday (April 8, 2010) with visitation one hour prior at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Rev. David Ballinger officiating. Burial will be in the Beech Grove Cemetery, Huntington County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Cottage Fund, or Family Hospice and Palliative Care of Berne in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750.

Miriam J. Rice

February 3, 1915 - April 3, 2010