Donna Rice, of Antigo, died Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at home under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 101 years old. She was born on April 15, 1918, in Antigo, a daughter of Martin and Ella (Bovee) Elliott. She married Merle Rice on March 4, 1944, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Elcho. He preceded her in death on July 9, 1998.

She was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1936 and attended the Langlade County Normal School where she received her teaching certificate. She later received a Bachelor of Education degree and Masters degree from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

Donna taught school for 47 years in Langlade County. She taught at the rural schools of Mayflower, Cloverdale, Clover Valley Graded, Deerbrook Graded, and Strassburg. She later taught for the Unified School District of Antigo at West Elementary and did substitute teaching for five years following retirement in 1983. She was named Antigo School District Teacher of the year in 1981.

Mrs. Rice was a member of the Langlade County Retired Teachers Association, the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3, Auxiliary in Antigo, SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church and its Rosary Society.

Her hobbies included handwork – knitting, crocheting, sewing, flower gardening where she had a special touch for 370 hosta varieties. She enjoyed reading, completing crossword, fill in, and suduko puzzles

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by three sisters, Ethel, Gladys Perry, and Beatrice Raith; four brothers, George Elliott and three in infancy John, Martin and Raymond.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Simonar officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday and the Rosary Society Wake Service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.