Obituary of Dayne Whitten Rice

Dayne W. Rice, 84, of Niles, passed away at his home, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He was born to the late Lowell and Adeline (Ciavatta) Rice in Mishawaka, Indiana on October 15, 1937, He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1955. On March 11, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, he enlisted into the United State Air Force proudly serving his country for two terms. On November 21, 1987, he married the former Julaine Schultz. Together they made their home in Niles. Dayne worked as a semi-truck driver for Uniroyal, and then went to work for Rollie Williams Paint Spot until he retired in 1999. After retirement he decided to learn a new skill, he began learning how to repair small engines, and up until the last year or so, he had worked on lawnmowers, snowblowers, and any other small engines his friends and family would bring to him. He was the kind of man that would have been considered a true gentleman, always willing to help anyone in need; he was quick with a joke to lift your spirits, or a word of wisdom to give guidance. Dayne never met an auction that he didn’t like, often finding treasures that needed to be rebuilt. Those preceding Dayne in death include his parents, his brothers; Frank and John Rice. He is survived by his wife Julaine Rice of Niles, daughters, Susan Rice of Walkerton, Indiana; Deanna (Eric) Zukowski of New Carlyle, Indiana; step-children, Matthew (Teresa) McCubbins of South Bend; Michele McCubbins Perez of Buchanan; one grand-daughter, Olivia Rice; two step-grandsons, Robin and Riley Perez; sisters, Rebecca Keefe of Massachusetts; Martha (Dennis) Gregor of Arizona; brother, Dan (Connie) Rice of Washington; sisters-in-law, Irma Rice of South Bend; and Cindy Rice of Mishawaka; along with a host of nieces and nephews. If Dayne had a motto in life it would have been, to serve your country, your family, and your fellow man. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services with a time of visitation to begin one hour prior. Burial with military honors will be held following the funeral, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. Memorial contributions may be made in Dayne’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.