Anita A. (Beuchert) Rice

Anita A. Rice, better known as Ann Rice, age 91, of Newark, Delaware passed away on January 14, 2026 at The Vero Assisted Living in Newark, DE after a long illness of COPD and Emphysema.

Ann was as stylish as a rose, sharp as a tack to the end, and as tough as nails! Not known to pull any punches, with Ann you always knew where you stood. Early on in childrearing, Ann coined the phrase “I Like You & I Love You” (ILY ILY) which taught her children that love endured even when they did things she didn’t like. It’s a poignant and persistent lesson, and her phrase is ever-present in all family communications.

She spent her childhood and teenage years in war-torn Germany where she endured WWII bombings, relocations, and so much more. Eventually emigrating to the United States as a War Bride, she married US GI Charles Chapman and bore her first daughter, Myra. Ann promptly did all the necessary work to successfully become a Naturalized US Citizen.

Ann would go on in life to remarry a second time to Ronnie Malanowicz and give birth to a set of twins, Mathew and Michele.

Again, through her resilience, strength, and ability to love, Ann in her later years would marry Philip Rice, the love of her life. They recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary! Together, Ann and Phil Rice were the toast of the Delaware Saengerbund. Ann served as Membership Secretary, and Phil was paramount in “powering” the annual Oktoberfest through his masterful electrical, mechanical, carpentry, and craftsmanship skills. At the Oktoberfest, everybody recognized Ann as the Food Line Cashier for decades.

And what dancers! They would always “open the dance floor” as the first couple dancing every chance they got. Dressing to the nines and spinning in pure joy, there was no doubt these two truly enjoyed each other’s company. They traveled extensively, absolutely loved camping, and toured the USA in Phil’s pickup truck and fifth wheel camper.

Having a good hairstyle was an absolute priority for Ann Rice! (Thanks Annie and Hillary!)

In her early professional life, she was a Dental Assistant in West Germany. From the 1960’s to 1980’s, Ann was instrumental in financially managing and building Blue Diamond Meat Company in collaboration with Ronnie Malanowicz and Nathan Plafker. She also worked administratively for University of Delaware Gift Processing, Delaware Barter Corporation, Modern Handling (assisting daughter Myra), as well as Richards Layton & Finger.

Ann was pre-deceased by her father, mother, step-father, sister, brother, step-son, and most notably her son Mathew and granddaughter Amanda. She endured countless tragedies and still maintained her dignity, poise, and well-mannered politeness.

Ann is survived by her daughter Myra Doughty, son-in-law Greg Doughty, daughter Michele Kelley, and son-in-law Jim Kelley, granddaughter Ann Marie Wilber and husband Matt Wilber, and great-grandson Hudson Cole. Additionally, she is survived by her stepsons Rik Rice (Helen), Doug Rice, and four Rice grandchildren: Eric, Emma, Gavin, and Gillian.

Funeral Services for Ann Rice will be at Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702 on Friday, January 23, 2026 with visitation from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and a service beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment at Delaware Veterans Cemetery will be Tuesday, February 3, 2026 promptly at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saint Jude’s Hospital for Children, or to the charity of your choice in Ann’s name. She’d be pleased.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at The Vero in Newark, and also to Accent Hospice for the excellent care she received. It took a village!

In true Ann style, she is now dancing up a storm and sharing her opinions freely. That’s Ann!

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