Robert (Bob) Wilson Rice, PH.D.
October 13, 2023 Redlands, CA
Bob was born in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. A few years later the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. His family then moved to La Sierra, California, when he entered the 7th grade. He met his wife Dottie as a sophomore in high school. They graduated from high school in 1955 and were married in 1957. They just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 3.
Bob worked at Juvenile Hall at night and Dottie worked as a cashier at the College Market to put Bob through La Sierra College, getting his BA in Education in 1960. His parents owned the Village Cleaners in La Sierra for many years.
Bob's life was dedicated to Christian education. His first job was teaching 7th grade at San Gabriel Academy (1960-1968). He was still friends with many of these students and many others in classes that followed. He became a principal at Riverside Elementary, Redlands Junior Academy, and Mesa Grande Junior Academy (which he helped transform into Mesa Grande Academy). He was an Assistant Superintendent of Education for the Southeastern California Conference in Riverside (1976-1980). He was later Superintendent of Schools for the Rocky Mountain Conference in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico (1980-1986). During that time he earned a PH.D. in Education at the University of Denver. He was a professor of Education at La Sierra University for 13 years, helping many students, teachers, and principals further their educations at many different levels. He also taught summer sessions in Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, and several U.S. states. He retired in 2000. During his career, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle to work. He loved driving the Conference moving van during summer time helping move teachers and ministers to new positions. During his retirement, he was an active member of the Citizens Volunteer Patrol (CVP) for the Redlands Police Department. He took joy in working as a volunteer helping to make Redlands a safer place to live. His time on patrol and his time with his partners were his highlight once a week for 16 years. After his retirement, Bob and Dottie went on many cruises, had a timeshare in Cancun, and played many table games with family and friends, having much fun and many happy memories.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents (Hubert Rice and Pauline Rice-steinman) and his sister Janet Fuss.
Bob is survived by his wife Dottie, son Robb (Jan) with grandchildren Kaitlin and Kyle (Emily) and great-grandson Kyson, with adopted grandchildren Torey Williams and Rafael Gumerato, daughter Renee (Mike) with grandchildren Ryan (Nancy) and Rob. Bob is also survived by sister-in-law Loretta Mcquiddy, brothers-in-law Brian and Rick Kraft; step-sisters Sylvia Arnold and Janet Jensen; cousins Carol (Pete) Burchinal, Barbara Kaczor, Mary Jane (Roger) White, Catherine (Tim) Alexander, Rose (Brian) Larsen, and Marilyn Reagan; nieces and nephews Sue (Lloyd) Christianson, Sandy (Eugene) Bartlett, Shirley Reagan, John (Phyllis) Bruner, Jeff (Elizabeth) Bruner, plus many dear friends.
Bob's health began to weaken three years ago. He fought until the very end. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He is not suffering anymore. Saying goodbye was hard. We look forward to being together again in Heaven someday soon. Bob was 86 years old. Well done good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's happiness (Matthew 25:21).
A private family service will be held at a later date.