Michele Diane (Coon) Rice

Michele Diane Rice, a woman of profound kindness, elegance, and unwavering devotion to her family, passed away leaving a legacy of love and beautiful memories.

Born to the late William Coon and Carolyn (Jones) Coon, Michele was a gentle, loving, and calm presence in the lives of all who knew her. She was a woman full of class who maintained a lifelong passion for both her career and her family. As a mother, her love was unconditional; she never gave up on her children, guiding them patiently through their challenging teenage years. Michele was a true role model, consistently showing up to support her family and friends whenever they needed her most.

A woman of many passions, Michele loved playing the piano. Her cherished grand piano still graces her home today, a symbol of the music and warmth she brought into the world. She was also an avid traveler, exploring the cultures and beauty of Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Venice, and Morocco.

On August 14, 1996, Michele married the love of her life, Terry Rice, in a beautiful ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. The couple recently celebrated a milestone 30 years of marriage. Following their successful careers, Michele and Terry retired to Ft. Myers, Florida, where they shared a beautiful home and completed their 30 wonderful years together.

Above all, Michele’s grandchildren were the absolute light of her life. She shared an intensely close bond with them, constantly doting on them, a deep affection that they warmly returned.

Michele is survived by her devoted husband, Terry Rice; her loving daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Rice (Isaac Smith) of Indianapolis, IN; her cherished grandchildren, Carter Heiney and Michael Rice; her brother, Michael Coon, and sister-in-law, Sue Coon of Amelia Island, Florida; her nieces, Lyndsey Coon and Melissa Coon; and many loving cousins.

She was reunited in peace with those who preceded her in death: her parents, William and Carolyn (Jones) Coon, and her beloved son, Andrew Joseph Rice.

A visitation for family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4PM until 7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN.

A service celebrating Michele’s life will be conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/michelerise.

Burial will follow the service at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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