Marjorie E. Rice

Marjorie (Marge) Rice, age 87, of Belton, Missouri, entered into the presence of her Savior, on July 21, 2026. Even though Marge was battling terminal illness, she was able to stay in her home to the end, with loving care from family, friends, and home hospice services.

Marge was born on August 27, 1938, to Nadine Miller Carver and Wesley Miller in Kansas City, Missouri. When Marge was 3 years old, the family moved to California. They were in California for 6 years, and then moved back to Independence, Missouri. Whenever the family would eat avocados with Marge, she would always recall the fond memory of having an avocado tree in their yard in California.

She grew up in Independence Missouri with an older brother Charlie, and younger brother Michael. Tragically, in 1952, when Marge (aka Tikie) was 13 years old, Michael died from polio when he was 7 years old. That left an indelible scar in Marge’s soul, but she is now joyfully reunited with Michael in heaven.

At the age of 12, Marge put her faith in Jesus Christ at a Youth for Christ Rally, at the Ivanhoe Masonic Temple in Kansas City. She was baptized that year (1950) at Maywood Baptist Church.

Marge graduated from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1956. She married Lawrence Rice in 1958 and they began their family. They had 3 children: Kathy, Nancy and John.

One of their favorite activities was the family trips to Lake Pomme de Terre. They made many cherished memories under the sun – swimming boating, fishing, skiing. And trying to tame the pop-up camper. That same camper made countless trips through Nebraska to see relatives, then on to Estes Park, landing at the Ponderosa Campground.

Marge loved being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. In the early years, Marge was active in PTA and was a pre-school teacher’s aide at Colonial Presbyterian Church, where Marge and her family were life-long members. She also loved being a teacher’s aide at the Missouri State School for Severely Disabled Children. Nobody loved young children more than Marge. She was a natural teacher, and so kind and patient and fun. These traits were passed on to her own children.

As the family grew over the decades, Marge’s favorite activity was always to be together to celebrate every holiday and every birthday for every family member. Her family especially loved the big Fourth of July Blowout at her home in Belton. Up and down Sandra Lane, thousands of dollars’ worth of fireworks exploded every few seconds. Marge was so happy to enjoy one last celebration with the whole family.

If we had to describe Marge, especially Grandma Marge, in one word, it would be Encourager. No matter what you were talking about she would lift you up, tell you that you were doing an amazing job, and encourage you. Grandma Marge also had a way of finding the good, the blessing, or the lesson. She carried so much faith, optimism and unconditional love. She helped the people around her do the same.

Every day of her life, she displayed the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – all wrapped up with unconditional love for all. We thank our God for her life. She has now heard her Savior say, “well done, good and faithful servant”.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence (Larry) Rice; her brothers Michael Miller and Charlie Miller; her daughter Kathryn (Kathy) Rice Holloway.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy Lynn Rice and her son John Michael Rice (Nancy Ann); and son-in-law Duane Holloway.

She was the proud and loving grandmother to Michael Rice, Katie Holloway Weil (BJ), Sarah Holloway Williams (Ryan); Sam Holloway (Claire), Abigail (Abby) Jewell Rice, and John (Jack) Chatham Rice.

Marge was the adoring great grandmother to Winnie Rice, Kyle Rice (Beth Rice – mother of Winnie and Kyle), Pierce Weil, Blaine Weil, Landry Weil, Reed Weil, Clarke Williams, Cooper Williams, and Cash Williams.

A private celebration of Marjorie’s life and faith will be held at Penwell-Gable Funeral Home in Olathe. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Colonial Presbyterian Church – Cares Ministry, 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.

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