Susan Kaye Rice's Obituary
Remus - Susan Kaye Wernette - Rice passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with her husband and sons by her side, following a courageous five-year battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Susan was born on January 6, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Larry and Jeanne Wernette. She spent her early years in Portland, Michigan, and later moved to Howell, Michigan, where she graduated from Howell High School in 1979. She attended Ferris State University before earning her Associate degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Macomb Community College in 1983.
Susan met her beloved husband, Grant “Jim” Rice, on Blue Lake in Mecosta, Michigan, during the summer of 1977. The two were united in marriage on August 1, 1987, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Remus, Michigan, and went on to share 38 wonderful years together.
Sue dedicated her career to helping others, working as a Physical Therapist Assistant with a special passion for supporting children with disabilities. Her work spanned multiple school districts across Genesee County, Michigan; Will County, Illinois; Waukesha County, Wisconsin; Cook County, Illinois; Jackson County, Michigan; and Clinton County, Michigan. She also spent a memorable summer serving at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Susan retired in 2019, after years of compassionate and meaningful service.
In retirement, Sue embraced life on Blue Lake during the summers and enjoyed winters in Leesburg, Florida. She had a deep love for crafting and card-making, and her family and friends treasured the beautiful, handmade cards she created for every occasion. Sue also cherished her time on the lake waterskiing, boating, and making lasting memories with loved ones.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Jim; her sons, Kyle (Natalie) Rice and Mitchell Rice; and her cherished grandchildren, Grant Charles and Delilah Ann Rice. She is also survived by her brother, Eric Wernette; her sister-in-law, Diane Wernette; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Jeanne Wernette, and her brother, Craig Wernette.
A celebration of Susan’s life will be held this summer on Blue Lake in Mecosta, Michigan. Details will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to the Tri-Lakes Association, P.O. Box 235, Mecosta, MI 49332; the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org); or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org).
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