Karen Rice

Karen Rice, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022, with her family by her side. She fought a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Karen was born on April 5, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Merlin and Phoebe Fisher. She was the oldest of their five daughters. She married her sweetheart, the love of her life, Jay Rice on June 16, 1961, and lived in a marriage that was like no other. They were always together, and you didn’t see one of them without the other. They did everything together. She met Jay when they were in Jr High and was with him ever since. Their marriage is a true inspiration to all that got the privilege to be a part of their life.

Karen loved her “happy place” which was her second home at Bear Lake. They looked forward to spending all summer there, visiting with their friends, and sitting on the patio waving at people as they drove by. She loved spending time with her southern Utah friends where she lived in the winter.

She enjoyed cooking for her family and organizing the family parties. She was the true matriarch of the family and was organized to the very end.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jay, and her children: Penny (Dave) Thorbeck, Wendy (Jeff) Cornia, Cindy Riggins, and Michael (Lara) Rice; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, and her infant twin sons.

The family would like to thank IHC Hospice and especially Nurse Amber for her compassionate care of her.

A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 1:00 PM at Charleston City Cemetery, 2800 US-189 Scenic, Heber City, Utah 84032. A viewing will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 6:00-8:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123.