Cover photo for Michelle Rice's Obituary
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1951 Michelle 2022

Michelle Rice

September 14, 1951 — January 28, 2022

Michelle OBrien RiceSeptember 14, 1951 - January 28, 2022Michelle Mary Margaret OBrien Rice, 70, beloved wife, mom, sister, and aunt passed away in the arms of her husband on January 28, 2022. She was born September 14, 1951, to T.W. (Bill) and Maxine (Weyker) OBrien in Des Moines, Iowa.
Her early years were spent in the fun-loving company of her younger brother and sister, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandma. She attended St. Theresas Catholic elementary school and St. Joseph Academy. When her dad was transferred to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1966, Michelle looked forward to the familys move. She made new friends at Bishop OHara High School and graduated in 1969. She continued her education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
In 1972, Michelle and her husband at the time, Greg Decker, were blessed with a son, Timothy Decker, in Columbia, Missouri. A year later, they moved back to Kansas City. Though the marriage didnt last, Tim continued to be Michelles constant source of light and laughter until her final day. They had a close bond that connected them across the miles.
In 1989, Michelle became reacquainted with an old family friend, Joe Rice. They married on November 24, 1990. Together, they hiked through Missouri parks, traveled to a Kansas lavender farm, and vacationed in Santa Fe. They visited Michelles son often as he relocated from Austin to San Francisco to Chicago to Salt Lake. Michelle and Joe not only shared a passion for long drives, but also for movies, live concerts, and reading. They participated in a lively book club for many years.
Michelle was also an accomplished piano player and beautiful singer. She loved to bring family and friends together for big celebrations around her huge table. We drooled over her tender pot roast, potatoes Anna, Dutch baby, and strawberry-rhubarb galette. She spoiled us with her handmade jewelry, crocheted blankets, unique pottery designs, plus quilted and embroidered artwork. She loved to play catch, go biking, win at board games, and work in the garden with one of her cats by her side.
Her professional-level photography skills led to a job taking student photos throughout the southeastern states. After earning her bachelors degree in telecommunications from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she began her marketing career at the legendary Gilbert/Robinson restaurant company. She worked briefly in sales while living in Twin Falls, Idaho. She also spent many years handling print production for various firms. Her last position was Traffic Manager in the Creative Services department at UMKC.
We already miss Michelles sky-blue eyes, divine dimples, and mischievous sense of humor. She was curious about so many things and joyfully shared her knowledge with those around her. Well be thinking of her when were able to name the rocks we find, or the cloud types, or the constellations. May God raise her up on eagles wings and hold her in the palm of His hand.
Michelle is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Joe; son, Tim; brother, Kevin (Kim) OBrien and sister, Kathy (Dave) Pinter; sisters-in-law Blanche McWilliams, Margie Rice, and Mary Andrews; brothers-in-law Mike Rice, Pat Rice, Greg Rice, and Jerry Rice; nephews and nieces, including Andrei and Kevin Pinter, William and Clare OBrien, and the Wichita Rice clan; as well as many more beloved relatives and friends.
All services will take place on Monday, February, 7. The Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena at 4101 E 105th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64137. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. Next, the interment will take place at Mount Moriah cemetery at 10507 Holmes Road, KCMO, 64131. After that, family and friends are invited to return to the St. Catherine of Siena parish hall for a luncheon. Visitors are encouraged to wear face-coverings and to practice social distancing to reduce exposure to COVID-19.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimers Association or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

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SERVICES Visitation
Monday, February 7, 2022 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Catherine of Siena Parish 4101 E. 105th Terr Kansas City, Missouri 64137
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, February 7, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
St. Catherine of Siena Parish 4101 E 105th Terr Kansas City, Missouri 64137
Burial
Monday, February 7, 2022 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mount Moriah Cemetery 10507 Holmes Road Kansas City, Missouri 64131

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michelle Rice, please visit our flower store.

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