Mrs. Shirley M. (Hyde) Rabice

FRANKFORT - Mrs. Shirley M. (Hyde) Rabice, age 69, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018 at MVHS at St. Luke's Healthcare with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 2, 1949, Shirley was the daughter of the late Harold and Shirley (Fisher) Hyde. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. At one time, she was wed to Charles Edward Bills, Jr. who passed away on January 2, 2005. From their union came the blessing of five children. On June 8, 1985 she married Nicholas R. “Nick” Rabice with whom she shared a loving union of 31 years until his passing on August 22, 2016. For many years, Shirley was employed at Utica Cutlery. More recently, she worked at General Electric and subsequently retired from Walmart. Shirley’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her life, and she wasn’t happy unless she was in their company. She loved the holidays, and Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She was a meticulous homemaker and she enjoyed her soaps, especially Days of Our Lives, as well as the Hallmark Channel. She was also fond of camping and bowling. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Shirley is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly and Scott Witherell of Hastings NY, Maria and Mark Gauthier of Fairfield NY, and Kristy and Tony Citriniti of Rome NY; her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Marcia Bills of Utica; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; former son-in-law, John LaComb, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Thomas Czepiel, (always close to her heart was the memory of her sister, Mary C. Barrows and her brother Richard Hyde); and her brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Dorothy Hyde, Robert and Virginia Hyde, Walter and Susan Hyde, Harold and Aleta Hyde, and John Hyde and his late wife Elvira with whom she shared a special bond. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Ralph and Patty Rabice, Beverly Winston, and Bessie Doolen; and her very special friends, Maria DiNigro and Sharon Jacobs. She was predeceased by her infant son, Michael Bills; and three grandsons. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Shirley’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Thomas Servatius officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Shirley M. (Hyde) Rabice

September 2, 1949 - December 31, 2018