Robert G. "Bob" Rice - Benton, IL Robert G. "Bob" Rice, 96, of Benton, passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011. He was born August 1, 1915 in Benton to Omer and Daisy (Moore) Rice. He married Rose Dallape on January 27, 1940. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II until being honorably discharged. Following his military service he and his wife started Rice Produce, later Rice Foods, and continued in that business until retirement in 1985. He was an active member and supporter of North Benton Baptist Church for more than 70 years. He and Mrs. Rice were ardent supporters of Benton and Rend Lake College. They were named Chamber of Commerce citizens of the year in 1993. Robert and Mrs. Rice established the first endowment fund at Rend Lake College to guarantee a perpetual annual scholarship to assist Rend Lake College students. A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the North Benton Baptist Church. The Reverend Tony Auxier will officiate. The family will greet friends from 11:30 am until the beginning of the service. He was predeceased by his parents, his son, Robert Douglas Rice, his brother, John Rice, sister-in-law, Wilma Rice, his sister, Betty Rice Jones, brother-in-law Bertis Jones and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Robert is survived by his wife, Rose Dallape Rice. He is also survived by a daughter, Eleanor Rice Glenn and husband Nealy of Mount Vernon and his daughter-in-law, Maureen German Rice of Benton. He is survived by grandchildren, Michelle Glenn Mote (Keith) of Warson Woods, Missouri, Kristin Glenn Haycocks (Ian) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Cheryl Glenn (Weslyn) of Charleston, South Carolina, Elisabeth Rice (Pete) Fung of Frisco, Texas and Daniel Rice (Rosslind) of Benton. Great-grandchildren survivors are Erica Mote, Erin Mote, Haydn Haycocks, Gus Haycocks, Jordan Fung, Jacob Fung, Caleb Fung, Devrah Fung, Braden Rice, Zachary Rice, and Nicholas Whitlock as well as many nieces and nephews including Jackie Galloway. For those who wish, memorials may be given to the North Benton Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home where you may call 438-8711 or visit www.hobbsjohnson.com for further information.