Vivian Claire (Rice) Carlisle, age 89, of Bucyrus, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Crestwood Nursing Home in Shelby, Ohio. Born in Bucyrus on November 19, 1936, Vivian was the daughter of the late James and Eunice (Tranchell) Rice. She married the love of her life, Lowell Carlisle, on January 10, 1958, and together they built a family rooted in hard work, devotion, and deep love.
A lifelong resident of Bucyrus, Vivian carried with her a warmth and gentleness that touched everyone she met. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother whose greatest joy was gathering her family around the table. Vivian had a gift for cooking, and those blessed enough to taste her famous homemade cheesecake or cinnamon rolls never forgot them. She catered for many years, finding delight not only in preparing food but in watching others enjoy it.
Vivian also worked for two decades at Ryder Hail Bronze in Bucyrus and spent many years helping to care for the 25,000 chickens on the family farm, a testament to her tireless spirit and work ethic. Whether in the kitchen, on the farm, or at her workplace, Vivian approached every task with diligence, humility, and grace.
She is survived by her children: Lisa (Carlisle) Radebaugh of Galion, Ohio; Lane (Bev) Carlisle of Bucyrus, Ohio; and Lora (Wes) Stuckert of Bucyrus, Ohio.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Nicholas (Jackie) Radebaugh, Grant (Hannah) Radebaugh, Lance (Qing) Radebaugh, Austin Radebaugh, Brandy (David) Shafer, Mick (Sarah) Fraser, Shanna (Mike) Fetters, Amber Carlisle, Chad Carlisle, Tyson Kocher, Leah Kocher, and Kendra (Lee) Rumer, Adam (Allie) Stuckert, Mattie (Matt) Stuckert as well as 26 great‑grandchildren and 4 great‑great‑grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother, Rod Rice.
In addition to her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lowell Carlisle; her son, Larry Carlisle; her granddaughter, Trinity Carlisle; and her sister‑in‑law, Barbara Rice.
Vivian’s life was one of service, love, and quiet strength. She will be remembered not only for the meals she lovingly prepared, but for the kindness she showed, the faith she lived, and the family she cherished. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.
May she rest in eternal peace.
The family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Saturday from 10:00 until 12:00 noon. Services will be held at 12:00 noon with Pastor Mike Darling officiating and burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Alzheimer’s foundation and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com
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