Eileen S. Rice, 79, of Columbia, passed away on October 26, 2015 in Columbia, SC. She was the wife of George F. Rice, Sr. They shared 53 years of marriage together.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of Matilda and James D. Scanlon. She graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School.

Eileen was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Rockbridge Club. She was an avid tennis player, sports fan, decorator, gardener, and bridge player. She will be remembered for her random acts of kindness to so many people over her lifetime and her advocacy for the game of tennis. The friendships that were formed through the years were so near and dear to her heart.

In addition to her husband, George, Eileen is survived by her daughter, Lorrie Rice Boni; son, George F. (Gena) Rice, Jr.; sister-in-law, Grace Ann Scanlon; nephews, James (Stan) Scanlon and Kevin Kelly Scanlon; niece, Molly Scanlon; and grandsons, Andrew and Chris Rice. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rice was preceded in death by her brother, James D. Scanlon, II.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mrs. Rice at 11:30 o'clock, Friday, October 30th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St, Columbia, with The Rev. Msgr. Richard D. Harris, V.G., officiating. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, with a reception to follow in the Ministries and Administration Building of the church. The Rosary will be recited at 5 o'clock, Thursday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd Ext. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 7 o'clock.

Memorials may be made to SCOA Cares Foundation, 166 Stoneridge Dr, Columbia, SC 29210.