MELVERN — Debra Ann Rice died Friday, June 17, 2022, at her home in Melvern. She was 69.
She was born Nov. 3, 1952, in Topeka, the daughter of George and Ethel (Harvey) Boyer. She spent her childhood in Topeka, and moved to Melvern during her freshman year. She graduated from Melvern High School in 1971.
Deb was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Steve Rice, April 7, 1972, in Melvern. To this union, two children were born, Stephanie and Scott. Deb and Steve celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
In 1974, Deb and Steve built the first of two homes together. The second house was built in rural Melvern in 1993.
Deb worked at the State of Kansas and Victory Life Insurance for a few years following graduation. Later, in January 1988, she went to work for the newly opened branch of the Lyndon State Bank, Melvern. She worked as the branch manager until retiring in December 2006. After retiring, she acquired a job, or “hobby,” at Valley View Greenhouse Gardens, Melvern, which was something she had always wanted to do.
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 penny suppers and senior suppers for over 40 years.
Deb loved her flowers and devoted a great deal of her time taking care of them. She enjoyed tending her flower gardens and potted plants around the yard. Carnations were her favorite flower. She 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. She 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-grandchild.
She is survived by her husband, Steve, of the home; her two children, Stephanie (Wendy), Salina, and Scott (Amy), Melvern; her sister, Brenda Smith (Bob), Osage City; her three grandchildren, Lukas, Kelsey and Wyatt; and her great-grandchild, Nathaniel.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at the 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 may be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center (Kansas State University) and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
