Ellen Jane Rice's Obituary
Ellen Jane Rice, age 74, formerly of Howard, KS, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 in Derby, KS. Ellen was born on March 3, 1942 in Blackwell, OK the daughter of Melzia and Ellen Gay (Head) Butler.
At an early age, Ellen met a young man named Donald E. Rice. They married in Oklahoma and raised a family together. They were married for over 60 years. Donald survives her.
Ellen worked for many years as a dietary supervisor at Howard Twilight nursing home but she also helped manage the farm and helped to run a meat locker business. She loved children and her home became the neighborhood hangout spot for many of the children. She worked hard for her family whether it was helping her husband study for college or making clothes and Halloween costumes for her children she enjoyed helping her family in any way she could. She even helped raise not only her children but many of their nieces and nephews as well. She made sure that their lives were full and active and that they wanted for nothing no matter how little she had to work with. In her free time she enjoyed bowling and spending time with kids.
Ellen is survived by:
Husband:
Donald E. Rice
Daughters:
Polly Maher of Derby, KS
Peggy Springer and husband John of Lewis, KS
Patty Rice of Derby, KS
Brother:
Frank Butler
Sisters:
June Kralicek
Nada Phillips
Lottie Butler
10 Grandchildren
3 Great Grandchildren
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Melzia and Howard Butler; and sisters Irene Bilson and Georgia Matney
A Funeral Service will be held at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Cresco Cemetery in Howard. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington – P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349.
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