Frances Rice

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Frances Jean Rice née Welch, 90, passed away Feb. 3, 2022, at her home on St. John Street, Walton. She was born Dec. 23, 1931, on the family dairy farm on Route 10 south of Walton near Beers Brook. She was the daughter of Bert A. Welch and Mildred Budine Welch. 

Fran, or Frannie was known to many in Walton, was outgoing and friendly. She could often be found having a late breakfast at TA’s restaurant where the staff automatically served her a “Frannie Special.” 

Frances graduated from Walton Central High School in 1949. She moved to Rockland and worked at Doc Benedict’s Pharmacy in Roscoe. In the early 1960s she moved back to Walton where she worked in the office at Breakey Motors. She then worked as an assistant to different law firms in Walton. Upon retiring, she and her husband spent the winters in Bradenton with many other retired Waltonians. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church. She did her weekly shift at the DVH gift shop as a hospital auxiliary member. 

She enjoyed attending Budine family reunions. She always looked forward to setting up her tables in front of her house for the annual Walton yard sales. In her later years, she greatly appreciated the invitation to attend the holiday dinner for lawyers and their staffs. 

She was predeceased by her husband, William Rice, her parents, brother Bert, sister-in-law Thelma and nephew Duane H. Welch.

She is survived by her nephew Rodney A. Welch, great-nephew Andrew, and three grand-nieces, Zoe, Amanda and Stacy.

The family would like to thank Frannie’s friends and Methodist Church members who helped with her care during the past several years and who enriched her life, in particular her friends Willie Budine, Jean Hansen, Vickie Lee Cromie Schwartz and Scottie Fox, were special to her. Fran had dogs throughout her life and in later years a succession of small poodles with her last being Sara. 

Friends are invited to call today, Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 101 North Street, Walton, from 1 to 2 p.m., where services will be held at 2 with the Rev. Christine Lindberg, officiating. 

Friends and family may consider donating to the Methodist Church Building Fund, or Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753, in her memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message of peace and comfort for Frannie’s family, visit her online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.