Jo Ann (Luhr) Rice, a mother, grandmother, and Registered Nurse, died on July 5, 2026 in hospice care at her son and daughter-in-law's home in Phoenix, MD. She was 96.

Jo Ann was born in Louisville, KY, during the Great Depression and was raised by her grandmother along with her older sister Rose Mary (Luhr) Lynch. She attended Our Lady of Mercy High School and then graduated from the Nazareth School of Nursing (now known as Spalding University) and subsequently obtained her Registered Nurse licensure.

She was married for 51 years to Ray E. Rice, husband and best friend. Jo Ann lived in many places during her life, including Louisville, KY, Cochise County, Arizona, Cincinnati, OH, North Ridgeville, OH, Richmond, VA, Mechanicsburg, PA, and Phoenix, MD.

Jo Ann was a very empathetic and loving person who, in addition to raising her four sons, provided care for two elderly family members and shelter for several of her son's acquaintances during their times of need. Jo Ann's devotion to her husband and family was unwavering.

Jo Ann is survived by her children Michael, Thomas, Patrick, and Matthew, and grandchildren Sean, Adam, Gabriel, Maggy, Simon, and Joshua, and by her loving niece Susannah Lynch. She spent her last years in the loving care of Matthew and his wife Janna Rice in their home.

She was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Remembrance services will be private.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.