Donna Jean (Esselburn) Rice

Donna Jean Rice, 95, of Massillon, passed away gently, late Friday evening, January 10, 2025, just three days before celebrating her 96th birthday.  Born in Wooster, Ohio, a daughter to the late Glenn K. and Hazel L. (Rutt) Esselburn, Jean completed her undergraduate degree in education while attending Bowling Green, Akron, and San Diego State Universities while crossing the country with her late husband, Orson, as he completed duty assignments with the US Navy.  Returning to Massillon, Jean began her 30-year teaching career with Perry, Jackson, and Lakewood Local Schools. 

A devoted wife, mother, and aunt, Jean was currently one of the longest-lived members of Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon.  Confirmed into the church in 1941, she actively served within her faith community and became an Elder in 1994.  Her former service, social and professional memberships included the Massillon Board of Education, the Massillon Heritage Foundation, as a past president of the Massillon Woman’s Club, the National Education Association, and Beta Sigma Phi sorority.  An avid reader, as well as a life-long learner and teacher, Jean enjoyed history and in particular, biographies of women of historic significance.  She composed original scripts and performed as a reenactor, portraying several unique and entertaining characters.

Predeceased by her parents; her husband, Harold Orson Rice – in 2017, their son, David – in 2023, her brother, Robert K. Esselburn, and sister, Margaret E. Hoffman; Jean is survived by her son, Steven O. Rice, of Palo Alto, California; nieces, Shirley (Jason) Warren and Robin Hoffman (and David Tower), nephews, James (Becky) Hoffman and Bob (Denise) Esselburn; several grandnieces and grandnephews, and a host of dearly treasured friends.

Immediate arrangements have been entrusted to Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  Honoring Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Central Presbyterian Church in Massillon.  The family will receive condolences during a short reception in the church immediately after the service.  A private burial will follow.  Please consider memorial contributions made in care of either the Central Presbyterian Church Music Fund or the Massillon Woman’s Club.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Jean’s on-line guestbook.

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