Rebecca Sabel Rice

Rebecca “Becky” Sabel Rice, 60, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home on August 6, 2026.

Born December 8, 1965, Becky was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. James F. Rice and Jean B. Rice. She was a devoted sister, aunt, and friend whose intelligence, curiosity, and passion for the things she loved made her truly one of a kind.

Becky had a deep and abiding love for the arts—all of them. Her passion for music began at a young age, when she sang in her high school choir and Madrigals. Throughout her life, that love expanded to include theater, ballet, and the many other ways the arts enriched her world.

Becky also cherished her college years at Indiana University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. Her time in the sorority was very special to her, and she treasured the friendships, memories, and experiences she made during those years.

She also had a tremendous appreciation for history. After college, Becky worked at the Biltmore, combining her love of history with her work. Over the course of her life, she held several different jobs, but her final position at Humana was one she truly loved.

Becky was an avid reader and had collected enough books to have a library of her own. Her love of learning and remarkable memory made her someone you definitely wanted on your trivia team. She had a wonderful ability to recall the most interesting and unexpected facts and genuinely enjoyed learning new things.

Becky was also a passionate sports fan. She had a strong love for tennis, even though she never played the sport herself. She especially loved watching Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the French Open. These tournaments were so important to her that she would use her vacation time from work to make sure she could watch them. She was also an enthusiastic fan of both Indiana University and University of Louisville sports, and she loved cheering on her teams.

Above all, Becky cherished her family. Her nieces and nephew were her pride and joy, and she treasured the special place they held in her life. Her love for them was deep and unwavering.

Becky is survived by her brother, Alan Franck Rice, and his wife, Bethany Rice; their children, Frankie Sabel Rice and Mary Gardner Rice; and her sister, Susan Rice Kraft, and her children, Harrison Lee Kraft and Lily Elizabeth Kraft.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James F. Rice and Jean B. Rice.

Becky will be remembered for her remarkable intellect, endless curiosity, love of the arts and history, passion for books and learning, enthusiasm for tennis and college sports, the friendships she treasured, and, most of all, her deep love for her family. She found joy in discovering, watching, reading, learning, and sharing the things that fascinated her.

Becky lived life with curiosity and passion. She was uniquely herself, and she will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St, John Center in Rebecca's honor.