Nina Louise Rice

Nina Louise (Thomas) Rice of Ironton, Missouri passed away April 9, 2015 at the age of 89 years. She was born on December 4, 1925 in Pilot Knob, Missouri the daughter of the late William and Lula (Bennett) Thomas. On August 14, 1950 she was united in marriage to Samuel Rice who preceded her in death on November 26, 1997. Nina is survived by nieces and nephews; Charles Koehler of Davisburg, Michigan; William Koehler of Stanwood, Michigan; George Koehler of Plymouth, Michigan; Gerald Thomas and wife Sharon of Pilot Knob; Valee Williams and husband of California; Carolyn Hicks of Chico, California; Janet Palm and husband Curt of El Dorado Hills, California; Joann Boelter of Mission Viejo, California; Phillip Thomas and wife Tammy of Phelan, California; Linda Freeman and husband Scott of Farmington; Brenda Brooks and husband Charles of Ironton; Carson Thomas and wife Linda of Ironton; Roger Thomas and wife Sharon of Arcadia; Orpha Worth of St. Louis; Delania LaPlante and husband Tim of Potosi; Vicki Zielinski of St. Louis; Elizabeth Gersch and husband Barry Amarillo, Texas; Pamela Gillispie of League City, Texas; two sister-in laws; Alice Blanton of Ironton, Missouri; and Margaret Hennessey of Farmington; sister-in-law Lela Rice of Baldwin, Missouri as well as many friends and relatives. In addition to her parents and her husband, Nina was preceded in death by her son Kevin Rice, her sister, Bernice Kohler, and her brothers William Thomas, Carson Thomas, Roy Thomas, and Ernest Thomas. Nina was a member of Missionary Baptist Church, and attended Pilot Knob First Baptist Church. Nina taught Sunday School, sang in church choirs, worked with Women's Missionary Union. As a teen she traveled and helped teach singing Gospel songs written with shaped notes. For many years Nina had good times camping with husband Sam, son, Kevin and friends. She always looked forward to attending church and Christian fellowship. Nina loved the Lord and was faithful to Him for her entire life. Her sweet spirit, pleasant smile, encouraging words, the twinkle in her eye, her sense of humor will surely be missed by friends and family, who celebrate her life.