Willouise Rice

Willouise Rice, age 90, of Brookville, Ohio and Sparta, Tennessee, passed away August 11, 2025. She was born August 5, 1935 in Cookeville, Tennessee to the late Finley and Lola Smith. In addition to her parents, Willy was preceded in death by her son, Finley Clay Rice; grandson, Jason Mock; and brother, James Douglas Smith.

Willy is survived by her children: Diannia (Jim) Reininger, Kelly (Cheryl) Rice, Beth Myrick and Tennie (David) Young; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Willy was a longstanding member of Finley United Methodist Church in Sparta, where she was very active. She retired from Grandview Hospital in Dayton, OH after many years of service. She volunteered her time to those in need by making quilts, food and singing at nursing homes. More than anything, Willy loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home, 120 E. Bockman Way, Sparta, TN 38583, where the funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Lower Board Valley Cemetery, Cookeville, TN. Contributions may be made in Willy's memory to the American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association or plant a tree in her memory.

Local arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, OH. To share a memory of Willy or to leave her family a special message, please sign the online guestbook provided.