BURLINGAME — Marilyn Ruth (Hotchkiss) Rice, 82, Burlingame, died Saturday, July 10, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her three daughters and husband of 65 years.
She was born Aug. 5, 1938, east of Burlingame, the firstborn child of Neal George and Ruth (Johnson) Hotchkiss. A coal miner’s daughter, she attended schools in Burlingame. She was salutatorian of the Class of 1956, missing valedictorian by only a half point. During her senior year, she worked at Beck’s Lumber, and Mr. Beck said she was the best bookkeeper he ever had.
Marilyn met Carl Rice at the Roller Rink in Burlingame, and they were married Aug. 26, 1956, at the Federated Church, Burlingame. They settled in Carl’s hometown, Overbrook, and to this union three daughters were born, Patti, Pam and Peggy. Marilyn was a stay-at-home mother until the girls were all in school. They moved to Marilyn’s hometown of Burlingame in 1973, where they built their new home and have resided for 48 years.
She started her career as one of the first employees at Brookside Manor, Overbrook. She then worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Topeka, retiring after 28 years. While still working, she completed her associate degree at Allen Community College, Burlingame.
Marilyn enjoyed reading, playing the piano, and camping and boating with her family. She and Carl were members of the Chippewa Camping Club for many years. She was a great cook, sewed all her girls’ clothes, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening. She was a past member of the Methodist Church, Overbrook, and the Federated Church, Burlingame. Most of all, Marilyn loved her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son-in-law, Jeff McFarlane; and her brother-in-law, Larry Brock.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Carl, of the home; her daughters, Patricia Lynn Rice Beach (Dennis), Pamela Jo McFarlane, and Peggy Jean Rice; her grandchildren, Josey McFarlane (Christina), Jacob McFarlane (Katie), and Kelsie McFarlane Kooser (Brad); her great-grandchildren, McKenna, Madison, Morgan, Moxie and Jameson McFarlane, Justice, Preslee and Ryker McFarlane, Braxton and Jeffrey Decker, Collins and Kane Kooser; her sisters, Joneal Brock and Janis Grandon (Dennis); her brother, Gene Hotchkiss (Kari); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at the Federated Church, Burlingame. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, Topeka. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marilyn Hotchkiss Rice Memorial Fund or the Jeff McFarlane Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 S.W. Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.
Condolences may be left for the family at KevinBrennanFamily.com.
