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.