Jean Wray Dakin Rice
Born September 9, 1939 in Antigo, Wis. 
Passed May 27, 2025 in Gainesville, Fla

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch Jean Wray Dakin Rice. The most loving mother, grandmother, wife, aunt and friend the world could imagine. The Rice Family legacy would not exist without Jean.

Born Sept. 9, 1939 in Antigo, Wis., Jean was the daughter of George Morris Dakin and Louise Hayner Dakin. She married the late Clyde D. Rice and had four children whom she adored and dedicated her life to nurturing, protecting, encouraging and supporting.

In her early years, Jean earned a 4 year teaching degree while raising Bryan, Wayne, Curt and Linda Rice. Simultaneously, she supported her husband’s numerous ideas and ventures from Wisconsin, to West Virginia, on to Pennsylvania and ultimately landing in the Sunshine State of Florida.

The creation of Indian Prairie Ranch was the culmination of many dreams coming to fruition, and a direct result of all those years of sacrifice and hard work. Clyde and Jean spent almost 40 years working, playing and living on their Florida farm.

Jean epitomized the saying ‘next to every successful man is a great woman.’ She was brilliant, unwavering, the choreographer of chaos and the backbone of the Rice Family! Always organized with her lists and charts, she kept all of the accounting in perfect order.

She was a woman who thrived in supporting and caring for her family and anyone around her. Her infectious smile and laugh brought joy into any room. She spent time reading, riding her horses and watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and thrive.

She will be dearly missed and mourned by many. We welcome and encourage all to attend her Celebration of Life which will be held on June 8, 2025 beginning at 2 p.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home. Located at 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Fla. 34470. 

Return to the May 30 issue of Wire to Wire