Marlene L. Simanski

SIMANSKI----Marlene L. (Rice), 84, Sidman, went to be with the Lord on November 16, 2019, at Windber Hospice. Born September 26, 1935, in South Fork, daughter of Joseph and Hazel (Penrod) Rice. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, David and Harold Rice and sister, Olive Nanna, and daughter-in-law, Theresa Simanski. Survived by her husband, Ray, whom she married on June 22, 1957; children, David, La Vale, MD; Steven, husband of Patti (Kaniuk), Windber; grandchildren, David II, Austin, Brooke, Michael, Katie and Cody, Jonathan Beskid and wife, Kim, Jarid and Jude Cover. Sister of Mary Jane Watson, Connie Nanna, Jim Rice, and wife, Judy, all of South Fork. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church and Ladies Auxiliary. Marlene was a homemaker for 59 years. After Ray graduated from Johnstown High, he went to a square dance at the Windber Recreation Park Ballroom, where he met Marlene. They were together ever since that square dance. She loved to quilt and do embroidery work and many of the family have items that she created and she did ceramics for many, many years. She loved spending time with her family and watching westerns on television. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren. Every day of her life she would contact her family by phone just to stay in touch and find out what they were doing. Over the years, she babysat many members of the family including nieces, nephews and grandchildren and she really enjoyed it. Christmas was truly her favorite time of the year. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, and again from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, South Fork, with Rev. Joe Stains officiating. Committal, church cemetery. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in memory of Marlene L. Simanski. The family would like to thank Windber Hospice and its staff for the excellent care of our wife and mother. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.