Donna Rice

Donna Rice, age 74, of South Glens Falls, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, October 6, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Donna was born on June 28, 1951 on the Lunde family farm, southeast of Rolette, North Dakota to Kenneth and Idella (Schettler) Lunde. She attended Rolette Public School. After graduating from high school, she attended Dakota College at Bottineau to study as an administrative assistant.

Donna met her husband of 52 years, Jens Rice in Minot, North Dakota while he was stationed on the air force base. They were married on October 20, 1972. In 1974, Donna and Jens relocated to South Glens Falls, New York where they raised their four daughters. Donna was employed in the dietary department at Glens Falls Hospital for many years.

After she retired, her and Jens were enthusiastic travelers with their daughters and enjoyed several trips a year. Donna found great happiness traveling to North Dakota, where her roots ran deep and loved spending time with family. She shared a beautiful life with her husband Jens, spending countless cherished days together watching their favorite team; the New York Yankees.

Donna had a passion for simple joys-playing cards, doing puzzles, and reading a lot of books. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her deep love for family was the center of her life. She had a wonderful sense of humor that would lift up any room. Even through her illness, she faced every day with remarkable grace, courage, and love for those around her. Her family will remember her as a source of strength and compassion. Donna’s legacy of love will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those she touched.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Roger Lunde, her sister Cheryl Barrett, granddaughter Julie Beaver, and grandson Ethan Smith.

Donna is survived by her husband Jens Rice of South Glens Falls, NY; daughter Michelle (Gerry) Beaver of Garrison, ND; daughter Lori (Pat) Smith of Hartford, NY; daughter Alicia (Clifton) Mattson of Rolette, ND; daughter Suzanne (Brian) Rice-Sweet of South Glens Falls, NY. Her beloved grandchildren: Jeffrey Beaver, Garry Smith, Brandon Smith, Patrick Smith, Nicholas Smith, Chelsie Mattson, Blake Mattson, Steven Kenerson, and Elizabeth Kenerson; 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private celebration of life at the family’s convenience.

Arrangements under the care of Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury.

For those who wish online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.