Naomi Jane Rice, 63, of Carlisle, peacefully passed away on Christmas Eve with her family by her side at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. After 9 \xBD years of fighting cancer Jane lost the battle, but it was a battle that she fought consistently and with a definite determination that the disease would not change her spirit or her promise to enjoy life and her family. While some accommodations and concessions were made along the way, she did not allow it to affect her outlook on life or that of her family. The last several weeks were difficult for Jane as her mobility was impaired, but she kept her spirits and those around her light and festive, as only she could.

Jane was born October 24, 1947, in Carlisle, a daughter of the late William Mac Kissinger and Bertha Jane (Madison) Kissinger. She graduated from Carlisle High School and Harrisburg Area Community College. She was a loving homemaker and a life long member of First Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. Jane was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Iota Chapter.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 44 years, Edwin L. Rice, a daughter, Heather Jo Metzger (and her husband, Brian) of Mt. Holly Springs, two grandchildren, Brianna and Aidan Metzger, a sister, JoAnn Heineman (and her husband, Douglas) of Carlisle, a nephew, Kristopher Heineman of Pittsburgh, her aunts; Vera and Shirley Madison and her uncles; James and Ronald Madison all of Carlisle.

While Christmas Eve was difficult, it somehow seems appropriate since this is the time of year that Jane loved the most. As we think of the many good times and the legacy that she has left with our family and friends, we are reminded of a portion of one of her favorite carols.

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Janie, you are missed!

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle with Rev. Jon A. Black and Chaplain Frank Poley officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 12 Noon until time of services. The family will also receive friends for a time of fellowship immediately following the memorial services at the First Presbyterian Church in Carlisle. Burial will be private in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Institute of the Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., Hershey, PA 17033 or to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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