Ronnie Rice

(From Countryside Funeral Home)

Ronald N. Rice Sr. 73, of rural Fredonia, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his home. Ronnie was born on December 10, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, MO., the son of Chester Rice Sr., and Ruth Marie (Smiley) Wright.

Ronnie was a graduate of Pacific High School, class of 1971, in Pacific, Mo. On June 10, 1972, in Gray Summit, MO., Ronnie married Maggie Williams, and a 54-year adventure began. Ronnie started working for Layton Oil Company, which he did for 18 years, he then worked for Cessna Aircraft for the next 23 ½ years until his retirement.

Ronnie stayed active with the Fredonia Hospital Auxiliary and the Relay 4 Life, Independence Chapter. He had a immense love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In Ronnie’s honor, the family request on the day of his service to wear bright and colorful clothing, with Hawaiian shirts being his favorite.

Including his wife Maggie, Ronnie is survived by:

Children:
Theresa Faileaso (Samoa) of Fredonia, KS
Stephanee Schiding (Bryan) of Carl Junction, MO
Ronald Rice Jr. (Amber) of Neodesha, KS

Siblings:
Chester Rice Jr. (Shirley) of St. Clair, MO
Betty Cochran (Dartan) of Caseyville, IL
Anita Clonts (Harold) of Leesburg, MO
Patricia Allen (Phil) of Wickliffe, KY

9 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren: Travis Shay; Dakota (Danya) Shay, Stefan, Daxen, Adeleigh, Tamsyn; Drake (Laikyn) Shay, Emma, Kanyon, Dextyn, Rylynn; Shelby (Wyatt) Robinson, Alice, Alena, Weslee, Braylynn, Skylynn; Lilyan, William Schiding; Camron, Tommy, Luna Rice.

Mother-in-law Carolyn Williams of Fredonia, KS, Sister-in-laws Mary Parker (Steve) of Gardner, KS and Anna Laforte (Alan) of Avant, OK

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Charles Wright and father-in-law Sgt. Earnest Williams.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia. Memorials in his memory have been suggested to the Fredonia Hospital Auxiliary and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736