Carla Jean Rice

life story

Lifelong caregiver, friend, kind soul…

John O’Donohue, an Irish priest and author, emphasizes that through caregiving, individuals can experience the beauty of presence and the transformative power of love in the face of vulnerability and suffering. His work emphasizes the importance of being fully present with others, offering comfort and understanding.

In caring for others,Carla recognized and practiced these things.

Carla was born March 3, 1959 and died March 26, 2026 at Regions Hospital after a short illness. She is survived by her son, Kasey Rice. They moved to MN in 1989 and she started working at St. Joseph as a Hospice Home Health Aid for 35 years. She frequently did private duty after work and weekends. She often said that if her client didn't have something she felt they should have, like a small Christmas tree, she would get them that item. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.

Carla was always helping other people and thinking of others. She belonged to Women of Today. She helped with the Boy Scouts leaders when her son was in scouts. She belonged to the Recovery Church and was active helping the homeless through them. She also enjoyed music, her Snoopy collection, traveling, being at her trailer by the lake, bonfires, flowers and her motorcycles and auto's.

Even in death, Carla continues to help others by donating her body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program.

A Circle of Life Celebration will be held April 25th, 2026 at 12 noon at the Recovery Church, 253 State St., St. Paul. Instead of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity or to Beyond Hospice Pillars House, 6025 Upper 35th St, Oakdale, MN 55128.

memorial service

A Circle of Life Celebration will be held April 25th, 2026 at 12 noon

April 25, 2026

The Recovery Church: Central Park United Methodist 253 State St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA