Jay Rice

Jay Rice "Jay O", 83, our incredible dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa passed away on July 4th to be with his "sweetie", Karen, who preceded him in death on 4/21/22. If you knew the marriage they had, you would understand why he needed to go be with her. He was surrounded by his family as he passed.

Jay was born on January 24, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Orville and Gertrude Rice. He married the love of his life, Karen, on June 16, 1961, and spent 60 beautiful years with her before her passing.

Jay was a friend to all. He had lifelong friends from school that he was still very close to. He looked forward to their quick day trips to Mesquite for prime rib dinners and playing blackjack or just getting together so he could make them dinner and spend time together. He really enjoyed being with his many friends in southern Utah as well as Bear Lake. Everybody that met him instantly became friends with him.

He was a strong, yet gentle family man. The ideal role model of what a father should be. He led by example in everything he did. He adored spending time with his family, and the more that gathered the happier that made him. He believed in working hard to better the family and was always proud of a person's success and made sure to tell them he was. He was the greatest grandpa and great-grandpa there was.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of 4 children, Penny (Dave) Thorbeck, Wendy (Jeff) Cornia, Cindy Riggins, and Michael (Lara) Rice; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife, twin sons, parents and siblings.

A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, July 11,2023 11:00 AM at Charleston City Cemetery, 2800 US-189 Scenic, Heber City, Utah 84032. A viewing will be held Monday, July 10, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123.