Sharon S. Rice

Oct. 15, 1962 – May 25, 2021

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Sharon Sue Rice, daughter of Lloyd and Teresa (Smejkal) Javorsky, was born Oct. 15, 1962, at Crete. Sharon passed away May 25, 2021, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln.

She attended St. James Elementary and Crete High School, graduating in 1981. Sharon grew up helping at the family ice cream business, The Daisy Queen, which led to a job at the local Dairy Queen. Later she worked as a sales associate at the Crete J.C. Penney Store. She married Don Rice on Nov. 9, 1985, at Sacred Heart Church in Crete. The couple made their home in Ocean View, Virginia, while Don served in the U.S. Navy. In September 1986, they moved back to Nebraska where their son, Brandon, was born the following year. A life-changing diagnosis of MS took away Sharon’s ability to drive a car or work a full time job, but undaunted, she stayed active with family, church and community. She helped at St. James Elementary in the library and touched the lives of the many ELL students she tutored. She also volunteered at the Crete FoodNet Program. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and guitar group choir that sang every Sunday and for special events. Sharon found joy in music and dancing,  fishing, couponing, crafting and crocheting, and baking cookies. She delighted in horses and rainbows. She even learned Taekwondo from her wheelchair.  Most of all she loved helping people and when she was no longer able to be at home because of specialized care needs, she became friend, helper, and advisor for her companions at the Wilber Care Center. Sharon was always upbeat and positive, eager to offer encouragement and prayers for anyone in need. She spent many hours during the Covid quarantine making dozens of crocheted gift towels for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Teresa Javorsky, and sister-in-law, Janet Rice. Sharon will be greatly missed by her husband, Don Rice; son, Brandon Rice, (Mackenzie); sister, Pat (Rod) Hier; brothers, Jim (Joline) Javorsky, Larry (Rebecca) Javorsky, Alan Javorsky (Paula),  Doug (Kristin) Javorsky, sisters-in-law, Brenda Duensing, Pat Rice and C.J. Rice; nieces, nephews, friends and all her companions at the Wilber Care Center.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at Sacred Heart Church in Crete. The family will greet guests at 6:15 p.m. Friday, June 4, at the church, with Rosary to follow at 7. Memorials may be directed to the Wilber Care Center, Crete Fire Department, or MS Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.kunclfh.com.