Suzanne G. Rice

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Suzanne Gingrich Rice, age 92, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. She transitioned gently to heaven, with her loving family by her side.

Suzanne, affectionately known as “Sue”, “Possie”, or “Grandma”, was born on June 3, 1933, in Clay Hill of Antrim Township, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Howard Diehl Gingrich and Pearl Henneberger Gingrich. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard Diehl Gingrich Jr., Warren Alan Gingrich, and Richard Henneberger Gingrich.

Suzanne was a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Richard Frederick Rice. She met Richard at a high school dance in Lemasters, PA, and the two dated throughout college until their eventual marriage on June 18, 1955. The two shared a deep love and set a beautiful example of what marriage truly means.

Suzanne is also survived by her sister, Marie Louise Gingrich; three children, Christine Lee Rice, Michael John Rice (wife - Wanda), and Ann Rice Dunn; five grandchildren, Laura Rice, Garrett Rice (wife - Lauren), Will Rice (wife - Lucy), Suzanne Dunn, and Madeline Dunn; and two great-grandchildren, Jayne and Nathan Rice.

Suzanne, who led a dynamic professional career, graduated from Greencastle-Antrim High School in 1951, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1955. Her intellect, wisdom, and curiosity guided her decision to become a teacher, first in Silver Spring, Maryland – and later, in Pennsylvania. She taught kindergarten in the Tuscarora School District of Pennsylvania for 30 years, and was known particularly for her kindness and zeal for educating children.

Suzanne, both social and giving, was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mercersburg (serving on the Church Council), the Mercersburg Women’s Club, Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, Pennsylvania Retired Teachers Association, the Fulton County Eastern Star Chapter, No. 519, Daughters of the American Revolution, the ARC, and the Garden Club of Fountain Head Country Club. She also spent many years volunteering at the Chambersburg Hospital.

If you were to ask her friends and family, they’d tell you “Sue”, “Possie”, or “Grandma” was an “avid bridge player“ – or perhaps, most enjoyed entertaining the ladies of her bridge club. She was known for hosting premier holiday pool parties, especially for the Fourth of July. Suzanne also enjoyed shopping trips with her daughters and friends, golfing, gardening, and spending time at the beach. Those closest to her know that Marco Island, Florida was her “happy place”, and was where she spent the winter months each year with her husband, Christine (daughter), and other family members who would visit.

Possie was also known by family and friends for her exquisite fashion sense. She could recount every outfit she wore for every occasion.

Above all, Suzanne adored her family, and spent a majority of her free moments creating treasured memories with them. Suzanne will be sincerely missed by her family and friends, who love her more than words can describe. She has forever touched their lives, and they will carry her with them in their hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 19th, at the Harold M. Zimmerman and son Funeral Home, Inc., 45 S. Carlisle St., Greencastle, PA, where Pastor W. David Kent will officiate. The visitation will begin at 10 A.M., followed by a service at 11 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the ARC of Franklin-Fulton County, the Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center, or the Occupational Services of Chambersburg.