A celebration of life was held for Dr. Janice Rice on December 19, 2023, at the Porterville Funeral and Cremation Center, drawing between 75 to 100 attendees who honored her legacy as a cherished community advocate. Friends and family gathered to share stories, food, and memories, reflecting on Rice’s profound impact on the lives of many in Porterville and Plainview.
Dr. Rice dedicated her life to helping those in need, founding the El Granito Foundation in 1978. Her commitment to community service included feeding, clothing, and sheltering countless individuals. Attendees at the celebration remembered her not only as a leader but as a friend and mentor.
The atmosphere at the El Granito Church on that Sunday was filled with warmth and camaraderie. People brought an array of homemade dishes, including pozole, to share with one another. Many spoke of her dedication to helping others, a testament to the love and respect she garnered over the years.
Rice’s family shared poignant reflections. Her adopted son, Shawn Klarcyk, recalled how she had taken care of others throughout her life. “I’ve learned a lot from her,” he said. He has remained in Porterville to care for her, emphasizing the strong familial bond they shared. Klarcyk added, “I’m going to miss her. She was a very sweet lady.”
Tony Slayton, Rice’s son, reminisced about their family traditions, particularly the Thanksgiving meals they prepared together. Over the years, the family organized community dinners, with volunteers from the Christian Bikers Club and the Harley Davidson Club helping with crowd control and gift donations. “We did this every year for about 30 years,” said Ava Miller, another adopted daughter, who highlighted the significance of these gatherings in their community.
Rice’s influence extended far beyond her immediate family. Daniel Figueroa, a local entrepreneur, recounted their long-standing relationship, noting that she had supported his clothing store and the needs of the community for over 40 years. Figueroa emphasized the importance of her work, stating, “I loved helping her and knowing her.”
Moreover, Rice’s advocacy for health care in Tulare County was notable. She successfully took a bill to the California Senate that promoted affordable health care. “She was a fantastic lady and a woman of God,” said Rocky Burnitzki, reflecting on her efforts to feed the homeless and provide shelter. He noted, “El Granito was a center where kids would be fed, they’d be clothed, and they could have a warm bed.”
The heartfelt tributes continued throughout the gathering, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for Rice’s many contributions to their lives and the community. Florence Ramirez, who served as Rice’s office manager for three decades, said, “I’m going to miss her. She helped everyone.”
Rice was remembered for her compassion and her unwavering commitment to serving others. Her granddaughter, Tamara Slayton, fondly recalled how Rice ensured everyone received gifts during the holidays, saying, “This community will definitely miss her.”
The celebration concluded with a moment of reflection, where attendees shared stories and expressed their gratitude for her life. “Thank you to everyone who helped, and everyone who brought food. Thank you so much,” Miller said, summing up the shared sentiment of love and appreciation.
As the community mourns the loss of Dr. Janice Rice, her legacy of kindness and service will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts of those she touched. She will be remembered not only as a leader and advocate but as a loving figure to many, truly embodying the spirit of Porterville.
