Joan Ilene Rice

Joan Ilene (Groce) Rice, age 83, of Carlisle, and formerly of Landisburg, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026. Joan was born on October 23, 1942, in Carlisle to the late Donald H. Groce and Elizabeth R. (Hall) Groce. Joan was the widow of Myrl "Perk" Louis Rice, Jr., whom she married in January of 1963, and who died in March of 2024. In addition to her parents and husband, Joan is preceded in death by her daughter, Betsy Jo Rice; and her siblings, Carol Nigro and Richard Groce. Joan's survivors include her three children, Susan Rice Stoner and her husband, Glen, of Lewisberry; Becky A. Preneau and her husband, Nick, of Mechanicsburg; Steven L. Rice and his wife, Patty, of Shermans Dale; and her two granddaughters, Adelene and Margot Preneau.

Joan was a proud graduate of the Boiling Springs High School class of 1960. For 40 years, alongside her ]husband, she owned and operated Inn 74. Joan was beloved by her customers, as they were to her, and she was deeply respected throughout the community. She held a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Joan always put others before herself, with a customer-focused approach that went beyond the ordinary. Joan was not just a hardworking individual; she was a people person whose warmth and generosity created a welcoming space that felt like home to many. Above all, Joan loved and treasured her children, grandchildren and extended family.

All are welcome to join Joan’s family at her celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation); with Celebrant George Spangler officiating. Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Joan’s life can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, Login | Alzheimer's Association.

Joan’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Joan’s full obituary, view her memorial video and photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.