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Melanie Rice

September 1, 2021
Lawton, MI

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Mel passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo after a long battle with cancer. She was born December 29, 1966 in Plainwell, the daughter of Irvin and Elaine (Pierce) Figel. Mel was an elementary school teacher in Coloma and Lawrence retiring after 27 years from Lawrence Public Schools. The love of her life was working with children and she enjoyed sharing her ideas with other teachers. Mel was known for being a procrastinator and loved movies and trivia. She belonged to book clubs and was a class adviser. Most of all Mel loved spending time with her family. On June 29, 1991 at the Otsego Church of God, she married Todd Rice who survives. Also surviving are her children, Quinton Rice of Rochester Hills and Tessa Rice of Lawton; her parents; siblings, Julie (Steve) Potter and Matthew Figel; sister-in-law, Pattsarun Simpalik; mother-in-law, Phyllis Rice along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and father-in-law, Arlyn Rice. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with Mel's family starting at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Otsego United Methodist Church until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at otsegomethodistchurch.org. Contributions in memory of Mel may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be posted at WinkelFuneralHome.com.