Paul R. Rice

                Paul R. Rice, 88, of Victory Heights (Cranberry Township), died at his residence on Thursday, April 13, 2023 of natural causes while doing what he loved, working outside in his yard. 

                He was born in Wallaceville, Venango County on February 25, 1935 to the late Clifford W. and Velma R. (Spangler) Rice. 

                He was a 1953 graduate of Titusville High School. 

                He attended Cranberry United Methodist Church and Victory Heights United Brethren Church. 

                Paul was an avid tractor enthusiast.  He loved working outside in his yard and mowing on the tractor.  He enjoyed spending time with his family. 

                He was self-employed in the excavating business, owning and operating Rice's Excavating for more than fifty years.  He enjoyed running backhoe, and maintaining and rebuilding his heavy equipment. 

                He was married in Clymer, New York on December 22, 1957 to the former Lois Ann (Ziegler), and she survives.  They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary together. 

                Also surviving are three children, Sherry Barber and her husband John of Franklin, Mark Rice of Franklin, and Betsy Schmude and her husband David of Cranberry; seven grandchildren, Melany McCrea (Patrick) of Pleasantville, Holly Barber of Rockland, Jolene Green (Michael) of Seneca, Amanda Barber of Franklin, Elizabeth Schmude  of Cranberry, Olivia Schmude of Oil City, and Robert Schmude of Cranberry; and one great-grandson, Abraham Shah of Rockland.  He is also survived by his sister, Janis Sutton and her husband Willard of Townville; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

                In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Wallace "Barney" Rice, Evelyn Rice, Jean Bechard, Maurice "Doc" Rice, and Earl "Shorty" Rice. 

                Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday (April 17) from 3 - 7 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday (April 18) at 2 p.m. with Pastor David McVay, officiating.  Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery in Cranberry. 

                To express online condolences to Paul's family, please visit www.hilebest.com

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