John Rice

Steven John Rice, 61, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was under the care of Solace Hospice. John was born November 1, 1962, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Ernest Laverne Rice and Dorothy Louise Eckersley. He grew up and attended schools in Pocatello and graduated from Highland High School. He also attended Idaho State University. On August 14, 1993, he married Carla Rae Meyer in Pocatello, Idaho. They were blessed with a daughter, Danielle, and son, Joshua. Above all of John’s passions and interests, he loved his family the most.

John worked hard his whole life. His favorite jobs were working in restaurant management where he excelled because of his strong work ethic. He especially loved mentoring employees and providing exceptional customer service. John enthusiastically enjoyed both playing and watching sports, especially racquetball and golf. John was an eternal optimist and a dreamer who loved all things Sci-Fi and superheroes. As a child, he became an avid reader and developed a passion for comic books and trading cards. John had recently started building an online store for comic books and trading cards where he took pride in sharing his honesty and integrity.

John is survived by his loving wife, Carla Rae Rice of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Danielle Rice of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Joshua Rice of Idaho Falls, ID; his “adopted kids,” Kit and Jace; sister, Mona (Joe) Dooley of VA; brother, Jim Rice of Pocatello, ID; sister, Lori (Ken) Crystal of Blackfoot, ID; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog, Rylie. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Dan’l Dooley; father-in-law, Ron Meyer; and sister-in-law, Sandra Rice.

We would like to thank John’s nurses, “Kat,” Stacie, and Ana for providing exceptional care during this difficult time. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Rise Church, 502 2nd Street in Idaho Falls. A visitation will be held for family and friends on Wednesday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Thursday from 12-12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Wood Funeral Home, 208-522-2992, to help with John’s funeral costs.