Robert Rice

Robert “Bob” R. Rice, 86, Dallas, passed away peacefully, Monday, November 22, 2021 at his home after a long battle from injuries he sustained in a car accident in January of 2015. Born in Lehman, March 21, 1935. Bob/Bobby was the oldest son of the late Kenneth Rice and Helen Mekeel Rice Coombs.

He moved to Dallas as a young boy when his grandfather and father (George I Rice & Son) purchased Orchard Farm. He became involved in 4H and was the proud winner of many ribbons showing off their dairy cows.

After graduating from Dallas Township School, he worked at the dairy and also at Orchard Farm Restaurant. He was quite ambitious and went on to start the “original” Ranch Wagon on Easter Monday, 1956. Many years later, his love of long dogs inspired him to start Rice’s Dog House (with two locations); but he was best known the last thirty years to the concession world and many, for his Rice’s Funnell Cakes and Lemonade (with his trademark Lemonade “Gazebo” stand).

He was preceded in death by his parents and paternal grandparents, George and Ethel Rice and maternal Grandparents, Harry and Jenny Mekeel, sister, Linda Kozick and sister-in-law, Sharon Rice.

He is survived by his loving wife and caretaker, the former Dorothy Haydu Rice, at home. Sons, Gary Rice and Mark Rice (Debbie), both of Dallas. Daughter, Mona Hoadley (David), Hop Bottom. Step-son, Sam Mantione, Jr., New Jersey. Grandchildren, Cassandra Hoadley Hutton (Doug), Travis Hoadley, Alexe Rice (Don), Brandon Rice (Cady), Britt O’Connor (Chris), Tyler Rice, Kohner Rice (Jillian), Arden Rice (Chase), and Larson Rice. Great Grandchildren, Addison and Carter Hutton, Lennon Bea Rice and Crew O’Connor. Brother, Bill Rice. Sisters, Rita Gillham (Bob), Barbie Goldsmith (Mike) and Diane Traver (Steve). Brothers-in-law, George Haydu, Thomas Haydu and Pooch Kozick, and by numerous nieces and nephews, Great nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Prater, Bayada Nurses, Home Sweet Home and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for Bob’s great care.

Funeral service will be held, Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM at The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc. 2940 Memorial highway, Dallas, with The Rev. Dr. William Lewis, officiating. Friends may call Friday from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Blue Chip Animal Farm c/o 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, Pa. 18612. Online condolences may be sent to Disquefuneralhome.com