Masae Ochi Rice

Masae Rice, 78, passed away Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, in Tulsa, OK. She was born in Autsugi, Japan on September 7, 1944. Masae spent her young life living in Tokyo, Japan. Her sisters husband introduced her to his military friend, Jerry Rice, in 1968 and after a ten month courtship the two were married. Shortly after the marriage, her husband was transferred back to the United States and she entered the U.S. at that time. Several years later she went to work for Sumitomo Bank in Oakland, California as a bank teller, but quickly rose to the position as Assistant Vice President and was placed in charge of new accounts. Her customers included members of the Oakland A's baseball team and the Oakland Raiders football team. She was considered the most valued member of the bank by the head office in San Francisco. Masae loved raising flowers and flower arrangements. Her vegetable garden was her pride and joy. She loved fishing but most of all she loved people. She trusted everyone she met and was quick to help them if needed. She mostly enjoyed visiting and having lunch with her close friends in Eufaula. An angel here on earth, she definitely is in heaven.

Masae is survived by her husband, Jerry Rice of the home; daughters, Alisa Melander of Carrolton, TX and Sonya Rice of Sterling Heights, MI; brother; Tetsuo of Japan; and one grandchild; Danielle Melander. She is preceded in death by her parents, Toyokichi and Tsutae Ochi; brother, Yasuo; and sister, Taeko.