Ruth Ann Rice, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 14, 2026. She was born on June 15, 1937, in Mansfield, Ohio, to William and Lillian Walters.

Ruth was the hardest-working woman you could ever meet. She was always doing something, always on the go, and rarely one to sit still for long. Her determination and strong work ethic were simply a part of who she was. Many in Odessa came to know Ruth during her years as a cashier at the Walgreens on 8th and Maple. She became more than just a familiar face behind the register, she became someone people genuinely looked forward to seeing. Customers would sometimes wait in her line, even when another line was shorter, simply because they wanted to visit with Ruth, catch up, and see how she was doing.

Ruth continued working until the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately brought her working days to an end. Even then, her hardworking spirit never left her. She was strong-willed and, as some of her nurses would lovingly describe her, a little “spicy.” Ruth was never afraid to speak her mind and certainly had a personality that could fill a room. She was the life of the party in any situation, always fun to be around and capable of creating an atmosphere where everyone could laugh, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Ruth was a true go-doer and tough as rocks. Quitting simply was not in her vocabulary. Whatever she faced, she met it head-on with strength, determination, and a little bit of that stubbornness that made her uniquely Ruth. She was also incredibly selfless. Even in her final moments, Ruth was thinking of her daughter and the people she loved rather than herself, showing the same caring heart she had carried throughout her life.

Ruth leaves behind a beautiful legacy of strength, laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Hope (Kevin) Grissom and Tami Steiner; as well as her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many other family members, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Walters; her husband, George Rice; her son, Troy Rice; and her daughter, Kim VanBreman.

Ruth Ann Rice lived life on her own terms, strong, stubborn, spirited, selfless, and always on the go. Her presence brought laughter and personality wherever she went, and her memory will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Funeral service information will be updated at a later time.