Ruth Rice

Ruth (Lavender) Rice, 86, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Pondera Medical Center Extended Care.

Ruth was born September 8, 1933 in Billings to parents, James and Ida (Street) Lavender. She married Howard Rice on May 16, 1957 in Lewistown and they enjoyed 51 years together before Howard’s death in 2009. Ruth and Howard settled in Conrad. Together with their children and friends they would play cards and ride motorcycles on trails.  She enjoyed watching her children’s sporting events, hunting, and welcoming guests with homemade cookies. Ruth made many beautiful needlepoints. Along with being a homemaker, Ruth worked at the Independent Observer for 25 years as a copy editor.

Survivors include children, Lloyd (Lisa) Rice of Plains, Tammy England of Kalispell, Joe (Pat) Rice of Cascade, CO, and Kolin Rice of Shelby; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be Monday, February 10, at 2:00 PM at Hillside Cemetery.