Natalie Rice Bryant, 91, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the Haven Hospice of Lake City, Florida after a long and fulfilling life.

Natalie was born on June 10, 1933, in Lewistown, PA. She was the daughter of George Clifford Rice and Ethel Billmeyer Sweigart, who preceded her in death.

While growing up, Natalie was an athletic superstar and played many sports including college level basketball at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She graduated from Rollins College in 1955 and went on to become a teacher in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Natalie was a Special Educator and adored all her students and considered them part of her family. While at Rollins College, Natalie met Eugene (Gene) Bryant, and they were married on September 4, 1959. Sadly, Gene passed away in February 1994, leaving Nat much too soon.

After college, Natalie took an active interest in golf, and became a 9-time Lewistown Country Club Ladies Champion. She loved the ladies' groups she played with both in Lewistown Country Club and the Lake City Country Club. She enjoyed more rounds of golf than could be counted and was an exceptional golfer, playing well into her eighties.

Along with her parents and husband, Natalie was preceded in death by her sister, Marcia Rice Swartzell and her brother, G. Clifford Rice, III both or Reedsville, PA.

Natalie is survived by her sister, Linda Wiedenmann of Lake City, FL and her many nieces and nephews, and great nieces & great-nephews who adored her.

Natalie believed in the words of Will Rogers – "Strangers are just friends I haven't met yet." She was a friend to all and was known for helping others in any way she could.

Private services will be held by the family at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME.