Mary Ruth Rice passed away peacefully at the age of 72 in Zephyrhills, Florida on July 2, 2025. She was born on October 5, 1952, in Hatfield, Kentucky, the beloved daughter of Mattie (Burnett) Cundiff and Russell Farley.

After attending Belfry High School in Belfry, Kentucky, Mary made her home in Florida in 1970. She was married to Wendell Rice for 22 years and is survived by her children Mary Michelle Newton (Robert), Walter Franklin Rice II "Frank", and William Daly Rice "Bill" (Lisa). Mary was the grandmother of John, Eric, Brooke and Valerie. She is preceded in death by her parents and her cherished stepfather, Daly Cundiff.

Mary found great delight in fishing, plants, gardening, and caring for cats. Her countless acts of kindness will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life service for Mary Rice will be held locally in Florida, as well as the Cundiff Family Cemetery in Belfry, Kentucky. The dates for these services are pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory are gratefully accepted and will be used towards the purchase of a headstone in her honor.

The memory of Mary Rice will forever remain in our hearts as she eternally sings and dances with Jesus.