Sara Katherine Rice

Sara Katherine Rice, 82, of York, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026.

Born on October 24, 1943, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, Sara was the daughter of the late Kate Shore Rice and Charles Wilson Rice. Although she spent the majority of her life in Salisbury, North Carolina, she moved to York two years ago to be closer to her beloved niece and family.

Sara was a devoted woman of faith who lived a life marked by kindness, service, and love for others. A lifelong member of the Lutheran church, she actively participated in church small groups and volunteered her time through various church ministries. She found great joy in serving her community, including volunteering to read to children at local elementary schools.

Sara retired from Cannon Mills after more than 30 years of dedicated service. She later worked as a secretary at Isenberg Elementary School, where she enjoyed supporting students, teachers, and staff. Throughout her life, she was known for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures tending to her garden, preparing meals for those she loved, and cheering on her beloved NC State Wolfpack. Sara treasured time spent with family and created lasting memories through her generosity, encouragement, and genuine care for others.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Kate Shore Rice and Charles Wilson Rice; her brother, Charles Wilson Rice, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Bishop Rice.

She is survived by her loving niece, Kathy Pruett Sandifer (Trey); her great-niece, Elleigh; her great-nephews, Weston, Hayden, and Bennett; her great-great-niece, Anna Kate; and her nephews, Wesley Pruett, Steven Pruett, and David Pruett. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, church family, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness and friendship.

A funeral service celebrating Sara's life will be held on Monday, June 29th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 5080 Sherrills Ford Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. Visitation with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Sara's family takes comfort in knowing that her legacy of faith, love, generosity, and service will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sara Katherine Rice, please visit our floral store.