Diane Marilyn Rice, 66, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully at home early Friday morning, July 17, 2020 in the care of her loving family and UP Home Health and Hospice. She bravely fought pulmonary fibrosis for over a decade, and after the gift of a double lung transplant enjoyed four more years of her earthly life.
Diane was born July 21, 1953 in Wakefield, MI to Richard M. and Elizabeth (Walls) Salmela. Her early years were spent in Wakefield until her family relocated in Ishpeming in 1966. Diane was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1972, and Northern Michigan University. She was employed by A. Lindberg & Sons as IT Manager for 30 years, retiring in 2010.
Surviving are her loving husband, Patrick Rice of Ishpeming; her daughter, Adrienne Rice of Milford, CT; her son, Aaron (Lauren) Rice of Naperville, IL; four granddaughters: Elizabeth, Charlotte, Abigail and Madeleine Jenkins of Milford, CT; three grandsons: Jack, Henry and Leo Rice of Naperville, Il; her sister, Janine (Ken Nelson) Johns of Negaunee; and nieces, Joelle Johns of Berlin, Germany and Katie Johns of Minneapolis, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Alan C. Johns.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will gather for a private memorial.
The family is forever grateful to UP Home Health & Hospice physicians, the clinical discipline personnel and especially Paula and caregiver, Kirsten.
“SISU is like a metaphysical shot in the arm which makes the man or woman do the impossible.” - Jean Sibelius
Diane’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com