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Classmate, Toni Rice-Groetsch, passed away this past November, 2022.
There will be a memorial service, this Saturday, January 14, 11 am, at Parkcrest Christian Church. The address is 3936 Woodruff Ave. Long Beach.
Toni described herself as quite shy during high school. Nevertheless, she volunteered to help organize the 50 year reunion. One of her tasks was to organize miniature golf. Those that participated had a very enjoyable time.
This photo of Toni and her husband was from around 2016
With Millikan Classmates, 2017
Here is what Toni had to say, following the death of Kat Shultz-Siegfried:
“I attended Catholic School from 1st through 9 grade in Long Beach and then timidly started attending Millikan High School in the 10th grade.It was rather scary going to such a large campus with so many students that I didn't know. At least there were quite a few of the Catholic students that I did know who were also starting at Millikan with me.
 I was never very popular or smart, never joined any sororities or clubs and so did not have an abundance of friends. I enjoyed being involved in sports especially because those types of activities were so limited at Catholic Schoolls back then. I never met Kat or knew anything about her during my high school years. Then I surprised myself by volunteering to join the planning committee for the 50 year high school reunion. In fact I never had a relationship with any of the other committee members either although I recognized some and remembered seeing them on campus. Inspite of my being an outsider I enjoyed being on the committee, getting to know everyone at our lunch meetings and listening to their wild and crazy stories about their high school adventures.
I was especially happy to get to know Kat. She was full of energy, full of good ideas, had connections with people who could be helpful and didn't hesitate to take on responsibility. She made me feel comfortable, was easy to talk to and we had some things in common that we could share. She always looked classy, enjoyed a nice glass of wine and loved to party. When I met her husband John, I felt just as comfortable with him. He was very easy to talk to, had interesting stories to tell and was fun to be around. I am very sad to hear that both of them have been taken from us at such a young age. At least I have happy memories of the time spent with them and for that I am grateful.” https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lbpresstelegram/name/toni-rice-groetsch-obituary?id=53598303
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Wayne Kaplan
I didn’t know Toni during High School. I met her as part of the committee that planned our 50-year reunion. She was still quiet, but certainly less shy than how she described herself in high school. She was easy going and friendly. It was a pleasure to work with her and to get to know her, brief as it was. RIP, Toni.
Tad Reynales
Service was live streamed on Youtube. Worth watching even if you didn't know her (I didn't)—amazing life. For instance: her husband donated a kidney to her! Also she was very proud of being a Millikan grad.
Watch video of Toni's Memorial that was live streamed
Wayne Kaplan
Thanks for posting the link, Tad. It was a very nice memorial. Her niece's comments make clear how much her family loved and cherished her.
Sharon Rice (Belben -'70)
Dear Toni,
It’s been a year since you left this life, and stepped into the next one. I am missing you today, big sister! You spent your life helping others in your family, and it took it’s toll, so you’ve earned a place in Heaven many times over. You began with Mommy’s helper, then protective big sister, loyal daughter, and patient wife. You were always the long-suffering, keep-on-going presence in all our lives. Thank you! Rest in peace and joy, sis.
“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved and missed, forever dear.”
Your loving sister,
Sharon