Karolyn L. Rice

Rice, Karolyn Louise, 92, passed away Friday December 9, 2011. She was born November 28, 1919, to Lynn Buel Kent and Lunata Mae Pierce in Greenville, Missouri
and did her 'growing up' years in Enid, Oklahoma. On September 5, 1942 she married Woodrow Ray Rice of nearby Hunter. They spent the next 68 ½ years together as husband and wife until Ray's death February 2nd of this year. It was said just after Karolyn's death that they would not have to miss spending even one Christmas together.
Karolyn married Ray while he was stationed at Camp Barkley, TX. After their time in the Army, Karolyn spent a short time working with Ray in the hearing aid business in Denver, CO. They moved to Wichita in 1948 where Ray continued in the hearing aid business and Karolyn soon became a 'stay at home Mom' to their three children. Her days were spent fixing the simple dishes of the era and never thinking that she was a good cook. That was only her opinion. She took pride in being a Mom and caring for the needs of her 'three babies' as they often call themselves. Only a few months back she commented on one of her most cherished possessions….the bowling trophy naming her as most congenial. It was so true of her, friendly, warm and caring.
Throughout their years, Ray and Karolyn had great love of dancing, spending time at their 'cabin' on Grand Lake and enjoying travel adventures with their circle of friends from all areas of their lives.
Her last years have been ever so difficult due to physical limitations caused by a stroke. But mentally she remained sharp and it was said, "don't try to slip something past Karolyn, she doesn't miss a thing". And to get one of her cute and crooked grins would just make your day. She was ready to give up her tired earthly body, and we can only hope that she and Ray are again dancing as they did so many years ago.
Her husband Ray, her parents, and a brother, Buel C. Kent, preceded her in death. Karolyn is survived by their children, Sherry DuPerier, Jacqueline Ryan, and W.R. "Woody" Rice, Jr.; grandchildren, Justin (Heather) Rice, Sarah Sutherland, and Lee (Aly) Sutherland; great-grandchildren, Lauren Rice, and Miles Rice, and great-great-grandchild Elan Piper.
Visitation: Sunday 5 – 7 pm. Funeral: 2 pm, Monday, all at Lakeview Funeral Home.