Joanne (Rice) Rose

Joanne (Rice) Rose passed away on October 14, 2020 at the Hospice Home of Lenawee in Adrian, Mich. after a brief illness.

Joanne was born on July 5, 1930 to Donald and Edith (Jeffrey) Rice. Although she was born in Detroit, Joanne grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1948 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School.

Joanne was employed in the accounting department of several local businesses. She retired to New Port Richey, Fla. While a resident of Florida, she was an active member of the Congregational Church of New Port Richey. In addition, she spent many hours every week volunteering at Community Hospital in her area. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge with her friends and family. In order to be closer to her family, she relocated to Tecumseh in 2011.  Joanne joined the UCC Church of Clinton and also resumed her volunteer work at Herrick Hospital in Tecumseh. Always an animal lover, she was a rescue mom to several dogs and cats over the years.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancy Franklin, and son Gordon (Tim) Leatherman, both of Battle Creek. She is survived by her daughter Cindy (Rainey) Bassemier of Tecumseh; four grandchildren, Lisa Brown of Dexter, Paul  Monti of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Donald Leatherman and Robert Leatherman, both of Battle Creek. In addition, she is survived by two great granddaughters, Harper Jeffrey Brown and Bailey Miyoko Brown of Dexter and two nieces, Beth Brutsche of Battle Creek and Susie Behnke of Gull Lake, Mich.

Most importantly, she leaves behind her beloved cat, Boy. He was a tremendous comfort to her over the last few years. A graveside service took place on October 24, 2020 at Oakhill Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Arrangements were handled by Purse Funeral Home in Tecumseh.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lenawee Animal Shelter in Adrian.