On a day that marked both her birth and her passing, Cheryl Jo Rice peacefully concluded her earthly journey on June 4, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 4, 1955, Cheryl was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Farrell Malandro. She departed this life after a battle with Lymphoma in the same way she lived her life, with grace and dignity, cradled in the love of her family at her home.
Cheryl’s life was a symphony of love, faith, and devotion. On February 23, 1974, she married the love of her life, Levi M. Rice, with whom she shared 52 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around their shared values, nurturing a family that became her greatest joy and proudest achievement. Cheryl is survived by her cherished husband, Levi; her loving parents, Joe and Farrell Malandro; her brothers, Steve, Randy, and Tony; her devoted daughter, Courtney Bennett; and her treasured grandchildren, Michael, Spencer, Blake, and Ella, who were the lights of her life.
Cheryl’s passion for music was a guiding force throughout her life, and she found profound joy in singing praises to the Lord. Her voice, a gift she shared generously, resonated through the pews of Clearwater Assembly of God where she was a treasured member of the worship team and choir. Her faith community at Palm Harbor Assembly of God and Clearwater Assembly of God was enriched by her presence, and her legacy of love and song will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In honor of her life, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at https://www.stjude.org, continuing her legacy of compassion and hope.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Cheryl’s life on June 12, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Funeral Care, located at 830 No. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765. As we gather to honor her memory, we are reminded of the warmth she brought into our lives and the love she so freely gave.
Cheryl Jo Rice’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and her enduring kindness. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the beautiful spirit she was. As we say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing that her song continues in the heavens above.
For family and friends who are unable to attend the Celebration of Life in person it will be Live Streamed via:
Levi,
My heart breaks for you and all the Rice family. You two were always together. I loved how Cheryl treated you and how you treated her. Now those Arizona vacation memories are even more precious. The great food, great times, hiking, laughing, and you guys even got me in the pool! I’m grateful to our Lord for calling both of you into service at our church. I will always remember her on the worship team, serving and praising our Lord. She loved her family and was ministered to by them at home. Kim and I will never forget our wonderful friend, Cheryl Rice. I look forward to seeing her again!
Heart broken forehead passing of Chery Jo. I have lots of childhood memories with her. Our prayers our with your family.
Levi, Courtney & the entire Rice family, my heart is devastated by the loss of my dear friend. From the evening Jim & Kim invited Jay & I to a dinner @ First Assembly, Cheryl & I became friends instantly. Cheryl was such a wonderful example of what a true woman of God should be. Cheryl’s love for her family and her Lord & Saviour showed through all she did day in & day out for her family and others. It’s times like this I have a hard time understanding God’s timing & plan, even though I know it’s perfect. My thoughts & prayers continue to be with all you during this time. I imagine Cheryl is already singing, praising & worshiping our Heavenly Father. Earth lost one wonderful woman, but heaven gained one amazing angel! 🕊️🪽 I will see you again soon my dear friend. ❤️
Levi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Levi and family, there are no words to soften the blow of losing a loved one. Cheryl was a warrior; she was a joy to be around and an inspiration to others. She was a shining example of what a ‘helpmate’ was in marriage, she was a devoted daughter to her parents. She was a wonderful friend who would always lift you up when you were down. She will be missed. Rest in Peace Cheryl. Love and condolences to the family. Revelation 21:4
My sincere condolences to Levi and your entire family at this time. Cheryl was a very special daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother. She loved , lived to serve Jesus, Levi, her family and absolutely everyone else she came in contact with. Her smile snd loving soft eye’s filled any place she entered. When she spoke you were sure to pay attention for good reasons. She was the epitome of a great daughter, wife, sibling, mother, aunt, grandmother. There are plenty of examples of this throughout her life. There’s always a place in your heart and soul for someone like Cheryl in your life. For those of us who knew her we will never forget her. She’s left a permanent mark in our hearts. Thank you Cheryl for bringing Christ’s love through your life’s journey to all us.🙏❤️🙏
Levi, Joe and Farrell, Courtney and the whole Rice family, it is always hard to find words to express the sorrow that people feel,losing a friend.
JT and I have fond memories of the friendship we had with you guys for a period of time. People go different ways in life but we always remember the special people that we encounter along the way. You and Cheryl are some of the special people. We shared a lot of experiences over the years at First Assembly in Clearwater. We Cherish those memories.
Just remember that Cheryl is having a wonderful time in heaven. This is what we all strive for and one day we will meet again. Praying for comfort and peace for your whole family. With fond memories and love, JT and Dorothy.
Levi. It is with such sorrow that we had to say goodbye to Cheryl. We love you and your family and are praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit . We are blessed to have had some great memories with you and her.She will always have a special place in our hearts .What a good woman she was- a true hero of the faith and a friend to all. Love you,buddy. Cary
To Levi, Courtney and the entire family,
There are no words that are adequate to express my deep love and respect for our dear friend, Cheryl. My heart aches for you.
Cheryl was an amazing friend, full of love, compassion, talent, joy of the Lord and so much fun to share life with. Levi, Cary and I are here for you if there’s anything you need. Cheryl was the best friend for so many of us. I bet she’s in heaven leading a choir of angels right now. We will miss all the fun times we’ve had over so many years camping, traveling, the beach, dining out, boating and sharing life. We love you and your entire family. Until we meet again. ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Levi and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Cheryl was a wonderful person. God gained a mighty warrior in his kingdom. Every one adored her. She will be thought of and missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers to you all of you.
It is with great sadness that we must say farewell to Cheryl. I’ve known the Rice family since our days in Indiana in the early 60s. Her Obituary describes her and her faithfulness to her Lord and the Church. I count it an honor and a privilege to have been their pastor for many years. The Rice family was very devoted. Cheryl sang in the choir at Clearwater First Assembly of God under the direction of Beverly Lunsford. She had planned to join the worship team at Christ Church Palm Harbor until she was struck down by the dreaded Lymphoma cancer and went through months of treatment. But she bravely stood the test and trial. She is a Christian overcomer. Cheryl, we shall meet again on the other side of this life. The overcomer does not die, but moves on to life eternal with Christ.
There are no words to adequately express the enormity of the loss that we feel in the home going of our dear friend Cheryl. but there are words, however, to express our love for her and her family and what they mean and have meant to us. Cheryl had a great talent for music, singing, and for finding a part vocally for any song presented to her and that made her such a precious asset to worship teams, choirs, trios, etc., but more than the talent that she possessed, was her pure love and full devotion for God that caused her to be more than just a talented musician and vocalist, but she had the heart of a true worshiper of Jesus. And we have had the honor to be able to worship alongside of her and Levi for many years and those memories now become treasures that we will forever cherish. Though we are saddened by the loss of our dear friend Cheryl, and we are certainly saddened for those that she leaves behind, but we also rejoice in the truth that she is present with the Lord that she has served and worshiped all her life and she is in no more pain and is free from all infirmity and now rejoices in her reward as she is with the Lord. Cheryl, we will see you in the morning!
Love,
Ken & Laura Hope
Levi, Courtney, her parents, and the rest of her family….Al & I are truly heartbroken for you. As much as we loved Cheryl & already miss her deeply, it doesn’t compare to what you’re going thru. We are praying for the peace that passes all understanding to consume you cuz nothing else can. We are SO GRATEFUL for the times spent together, whether on vacation somewhere, out to dinner, on the beach….they were all precious to us. I could go on, but tears are flowing and I can’t see what I’m typing. All I know is that Heaven is getting sweeter every day. We are praying for all of you.