MELVERN, Kan. – Debra Ann Rice was born Nov. 3, 1952, in Topeka, Kan., the daughter of George and Ethel (Harvey) Boyer. She departed this life June 17, 2022, at her home in Melvern, Kan., at the age of 69 years, seven months and 14 days.
Deb grew up in Topeka and moved to Melvern during her ninth-grade year. She graduated from Melvern High School in 1971.
Following graduation, Deb worked at the State Office Building and Victory Life Insurance for a few years. During this time, she was united in marriage to Steve Rice, her high school sweetheart, on April 7, 1972, in Melvern. To this union, two children were born, Stephanie and Scott. Deb and Steve had just celebrated their 50th anniversary together.
In 1974, Deb and Steve built the first of two homes together. The second house was built in rural Melvern in 1993.
In January 1988, Deb went to work for the newly opened branch of the Lyndon State Bank in Melvern. She worked as the Branch Manager until her retirement in December of 2006. For many years, Deb was an active participant of the Melvern community. She was a valuable member of the United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school, and helped with many penny suppers and senior suppers for over 40 years. After her retirement, she acquired a job or “hobby” at Valley View Greenhouse Gardens in Melvern, which was something she always wanted to do.
Deb loved her flowers and devoted a great deal of her time taking care of them. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and potted plants around the yard. Carnations were her favorite flower. Deb also liked crafting, and she was known for her special angels and beautiful door wreaths. She was given a unique knack and talent for creating some of the most artistic and exquisite crafts. Deb had many interests and hobbies, but nothing ever compared or measured up to her love for her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Deb is survived by her husband, Steve, of the home; two children, Stephanie (Wendy), Salina, Kan., and Scott (Amy), Melvern; sister, Brenda (Bob) Smith, Emporia, Kan.; three grandchildren, Lukas, Kelsey and Wyatt; and great-grandchild, Nathaniel.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Melvern United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time. Inurnment will be in the Melvern Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center (Kansas State University), sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
