Eugene Rice

Eugene "Gene" Rice, 78, was a lifetime Yakima resident who passed away Friday, January 9th, 2015 at Crescent Health Care. Gene was born in the city of Yakima to Vern M. and Mildred V. Rice on May 1st, 1936. After graduating from Yakima High School in 1955, Gene went on to marry Sharon Wagner with whom he would spend the next 52 years. During their life together, they faced many life changing challenges. But with the strength and help from their only daughter, Christine R. Barton, the family embraced the challenges for the better. In his youth, Gene started work at his family's little grocery store. He went on to work as a repair technician for Singer Sewing machines. He later went on to drive buses for the Yakima City Transit until retiring after 30 years. During his time as a bus driver, Gene was the first driver to clock more than 2 million miles. In his off time, Gene was an avid outdoorsman and spent most summer weekends up in the mountains either camping or fishing among other various outdoor activities. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, bowling, playing slowpitch and fastpitch softball, and golfing. This passion for the outdoors and sports was passed on to his grandchildren, Matt & Kevin, who enjoy these activities to this day. After his retirement, Gene continued to be an avid outdoorsman until later in his life when his wife suffered a life-altering stroke. From that point on, Gene's goal in life was to care for his wife. He took this role in stride, never wavering from his wife. This dedication was seen and admired by all who were around Gene even if only for a little while. Gene and Sharon were also animal lovers who over the years shared their home, and their love, to several dogs and cats. Gene and his family were members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Gene is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Christine Barton (Gene), grandsons Matthew (Jenae) & Kevin Barton, brother Richard (Maurina) Rice, sisters Judy Leinbach, Sharon (Rollie) Weppler and Sandi (Ron) Madesh, sister-in-law Jo Rice, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Vern & Mildred Rice and his brother Maurice Rice. Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Valley Hills Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Yakima Humane Society and sent to Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Lane, Yakima WA 98901, who is caring for the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene Rice, please visit our flower store.