Helen R. Rice

Helen R. Rice, age 89, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her home. Born in Coatesville, PA, on June 14, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Laura Knepper Stevens.

Mrs. Rice was a 1954 graduate of the former Hustontown High School. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years. Mrs. Rice was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, PA, where she was a member of the Hope Sunday School Class. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, gardening, completing puzzles, and being a mom.

Surviving is her husband of 40 years, Samuel J. Rice, whom she married on October 20, 1984; three children, Shane Harr of Houston, TX, Carmen Gunnet (Phillip) of Chambersburg, PA, and Rusty Harr (Kathleen) of Columbus, GA; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Tina Varner in 2021; two siblings, William “Bill” Stevens and Grace Barton; and two grandchildren, Ryan Harr and Tiffany Preciado.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA, where Rev. Dr. Dianne B. Salter and Pastor Mark Terwilliger will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be in Center Church Cemetery, Waterfall, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or to Noah’s House or Gracie’s Place at www.noahshouse.org. Online condolences may be offered on her page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.