Keyser, WV - Catherine L. Rice, 86, of Potomac Drive, Keyser, W.Va., died Monday, April 14, 2025, at her daughter's residence while under the care of Mountain Hospice.

Born on June 19, 1938, in Westernport, Md., she was a daughter of the late Joseph Wesley and Margaret Ann (O'Neill) Taylor. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. "Rock" Rice on Feb. 10, 2001; five sisters, Barbara Taylor, who died at birth, Margaret Everline, Rose Naughton, Sister Perpetua (Jane) Taylor and Sister Alma Dolorine (Clara) Taylor; five brothers, John, James, Joseph, Daniel and Robert Taylor; a daughter-in-law, Darla Rice; and a special friend, Jerry Butler. Mrs. Rice was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

A 1957 graduate of Saint Peter's Catholic School in Westernport, Md., Mrs. Rice was the first employee hired at the Potomac Heights Apartments (Hi-Rise) in Keyser, retiring after 22 years of service as assistant manager. She was a member of the Church of the Assumption, Keyser, the Ladies Auxiliary to both Victory Post # 155, American Legion in Westernport and Nancy Hanks Post # 3518, VFW in Keyser. She also was a member of Chapter 191, Women of the Moose in Keyser.

Surviving are her children, Stephen Troy Taylor Rice and wife April of Bartlesville, Okla., Ralph E.R. Rice of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Robert Thomas Patton Rice and wife Amy, Joseph Emory Jacob Rice and wife Joni, Catherine Ann Lark and husband Jeff and Tina Ellen Staggs and husband Dutch, all of Keyser; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and her canine companion, "Danny Boy."

Friends will be received at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Rosary/Prayer Service will be held on Monday evening at 7:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Assumption, 34 James Street, Keyser, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10 a.m., with Father Dan Price as celebrant.

Private interment will be in the Saint Thomas Cemetery, Keyser.

Condolences may be left at: smithfuneralhomes.net.