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Frances Mae Rice, 96, of Colliers, WV, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
She was born on October 21, 1929, in Hollidays Cove, WV, a daughter of the late Darwon and Iva Martin DeLong. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Keith L. Rice, in 2020; her brothers, Arthur "Bud" DeLong and Charles DeLong; and her sister, Janice Smith.
Frances was a graduate of Follansbee High School, Class of 1947. She dedicated many years to serving the State of West Virginia and retired as Chief Deputy of the Circuit Clerks of Brooke County.
A woman of faith, Frances was a member of Weirton Heights Church of Christ. She especially enjoyed volunteering her time painting fabric "Boo Boo Bears," which were given to children receiving care at Weirton Medical Center. She had a lifelong love of reading and could often be found with a stack of books nearby. She was known to check out dozens of books from the library at a time, and even while traveling, she made it a point to find bookstores and libraries wherever she went.
Frances will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jeffrey Rice (Kellye) of Franklin, TN; Lori Stephenson (Richard) of Wheeling, WV; and Valerie McKnight (Bradley) of Brentwood, TN; her grandchildren, Haley Rice (Isaac Byrne), Hunter Rice (Lauren Parker), Hope Rice, Caroline Colmenares (Cesar), Bethany Stephenson, Bailey Childers (Isaiah), Taylor McKnight (Sarah), and Dylan McKnight; her sister, Betty Howell of Colliers, WV; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. at Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home, Penco Road, Weirton, with Evangelist Steve Smithbauer presiding.
Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Colliers, where Frances will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Keith.
Frances will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her generous spirit, and her love of books. Her memory will remain a cherished part of the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Online condolences can be made to her family at www.steelandwolfe.com