Mark Rice, 51, of Turlock, lost a long battle with illness at his home early Monday morning.

Mark was born in Sacramento, CA, one of ten children born to Jerry and Ella (Cissney) Rice. He graduated from Rio Linda High School before enlisting in the Army when he was 18. He served mostly in Germany during his Army career. The Army also provided Mark’s training to work for 16 years as a surveyor after his 9 years in the military. His amazing ability to work with numbers helped him with his work. Mark returned to California in 2005.

He met his loving wife Martha and they were married in July of 2007. Mark was dearly loved and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his father. His survivors include his wife Martha of Turlock, two step-daughters in Georgia: Jennifer Bright and Colleen Freeman; in California; Daniel Rosales and Zachary Ortiz in Sacramento, and Vanessa Franco in Turlock; two grandchildren: Daniel and Alicia; his mother Ella Rice, nine siblings: Leland, Ellie, Sherry, Iva, Jeremiah, Paula, Stewart, Don, and Shelley and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Friday, July 20th at 4 p.m. Military honors are planned as a part of the Memorial Service. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.