"I met Bill when he was my childhood development professor at BYU. He was absolutely the best teacher my condolences and love to Joan and the whole family Cory Powell (Richardon)"
In loving memory of
William Bill Rice
January 5, 1937 - November 2, 2024
William Clem Rice (Bill, Papa Bill, Bishop Rice, Dr. Rice, Dr. Bill), passed away on November 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. He was 87 years old.
Born on January 5, 1937, Bill was the second of six children born to Eddie and Isabelle Rice. In 1960, he married Joan Cannon, and they went on to create their own family legacy. Bill is survived by his wife, their four children (Christen (John) Prueger, Berrett (Tina) Rice, Shannon (Sean) Taylor, and Jeremy (Sarah) Rice), 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister Jan Phillips, and brother Stephen Rice.
Bill obtained bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees from Brigham Young University and Penn State. He had a long and tremendously successful career as a professor and therapist in Fresno, California -- even hosting his own television segment on PBS. He loved helping individuals and couples. His professional passion and mission was "to help marriages stay together."
In 1996, Bill and Joan moved to Ames, Iowa. They were immediately welcomed and embraced by the Ames 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bill was an active and beloved member of the ward, and he was eventually called to serve as its Bishop. His service as a Bishop was one of his greatest accomplishments -- an extension of his professional passion and his deep spiritual commitment.
Bill's impact is immeasurable. He will be forever remembered for his love of teaching, his careful and valued advice, his love of family, his healthy sense of rebellion, and probably a little bit of stubbornness.
Friends, family, and other loved ones are invited to a memorial service in Bill's honor. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2524 Hoover Ave, Ames, IA 50010) from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30a.m. with a funeral service to follow.
Tributes
"I only got to know you for a very short time, and not under the best of circumstances. I am very thankful for the time we got to spend together, only wish the time could have been longer. Your friends, Jim and Kris."
"First time I met bill was when I started working at rolling green village and he was a really nice nice guy and had some funny jokes but rest in peace bill"
"First met Bill when I married his wife?s cousin in 1977. Last saw he and Joan 3 years ago just before the Caldor fire took our vacation homes near Tahoe. Always funny and practical. Enjoyed our all too infrequent conversations. Rest in peace and my condolences to the family. "