Sharron Rice
1952 - 2020
Sharron Collins Rice
WHEELERSBURG-Sharron Collins Rice passed peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born in Webster Springs, West Virginia, she was a coal miner’s daughter, blessed with a mother who was devoted to her brothers and sisters, Carol Koslak, Sue Long, David Cogar, and William, an infant who passed at birth.
After her father, Jack Collins, died tragically in a coal mining accident, she was raised by Hazel, her late mother, who instilled love, strength and resiliency, shaping her into a young lady ready to take on the world. In 1969, the day after she graduated from Webster Springs High School, Sharron jumped on the bus and made the big move to Portsmouth, Ohio.
To save up for her own place, she worked three jobs, one as the manager of the BBF, where she caught the attention of a handsome Vietnam Veteran named David Rice. After 2 weeks (!) of courtship, they married in West Portsmouth, Ohio (!!), settling down in Wheelersburg.
While Dave worked cross country as a truck driver, Sharron was the head teller at the Bank of Ohio for nearly 10 years. At 29, Sharron retired to start a family with Dave. In 1979, Melanie Sue Rice was born, the love and light of their world. The greatest mother a girl could ever have, Sharron shined as she devoted herself to raising Melanie with the same strength as her mother, enveloped in love, plus a little bit of sparkle. Sharron made her daughter, kind, oh-so-strong-willed, and unstoppable. As Melanie balanced her busy career, she devoted herself to her parents, hand delivering the daily newspaper, getting them to their appointments, and ensuring they were always healthy and safe.
In between Sharron’s many health scares, Dave dutifully held down the fort while she and Melanie shared their love of travel. Remembering Sharron’s favorite vacation, Melanie will take some of her ashes to their special spot on the shores of Maine.
Sharron was love, and Sharron knew love. Though their hearts ache, Dave, Melanie, and her fiancé Ray Martin will hold their memories close, endlessly grateful to love and be loved by such an amazing woman. Sharron truly made this crazy world a better place.
The family gives thanks for the love and outpouring of support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sierra’s Haven, www.sierrashaven.homestead.com, a rescue for new and used pets.
Services for Sharron will be 5:00 pm Friday, June 12, 2020 at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg with Pastor Chris Oiler officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until the 5:00 pm service hour. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
Condolences
Joyce Gerwig Markle
Carol,Sue and David —- so very sorry for your loss. I will always cherish the memories of us growing up as neighbors and childhood friends. Sharron’s fun-loving personality was spontaneous and genuine! Dave and Melanie you were blessed to have Sharron as a loving wife and fantastic Mother! With deepest sympathy, Joyce Gerwig Markle
Cheryl Mustoe Hamrick
So sorry to hear Sharron passed. We will miss her and remember all the fun times we all had together. She will be forever in our hearts.
Susan Long
Melanie and Dave, I am so sorry For The Loss ur Wife and I am so Sorry for The Loss for ur Loss of ur Loving Mom and The Loss of our Sister Sharron, With Love Carol, David and Susan
Linda Sears
I am so sorry for your loss. As cousins growing up, Sharron, Carol, and I had lots of fun together, I have many memories of blackberry picking, selling pop bottles for movie money, playing in the snow, sleepovers (me with them) , walking along the railroad tracks, trick or treating, dancing to American Bandstand, and so many more. I know you will miss her greatly.
Sheridan Spradlin
SO SORRY to learn of the loss of Sharon. We worked together at BBF One fine lady!
Darlene Dillon
I am ur cousin, Retas daughter, Hazels sister. I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I was a only child when I lost my mom and I was younger than you. My heart goes out to you Melanie. I hope u well.
Linda Carpenter Jack
My beloved friend from school she will be missed
Michelle Brown
You will always have a special place in my heart. You were so loving and caring, but never afraid to tell it how it is. I’m going to miss our chats. I know that me and Haiven will always have an angel watching over us.