May 24, 2022

Linn County News

Published May 25, 2022

Merwin B. Rice, 81, of Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, at Olathe Medical Center.

Family will meet with friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Living Proof Church, 32401 Harmony Road, Paola, Kan., 66071.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2022 at the church under the direction of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, Kan., 66071. 

Merwin was born Friday, Sept. 13, 1940, in Gardner, Kan., the son of Arthur James and Mary (Davis) Rice.  He attended school in Greeley, Kansas until moving to Macks Creek, Mo., his junior year of high school.  He graduated from Macks Creek High School.

 After high school, Merwin entered the United States Marine Corps. He entered the Marines on February 20, 1959 and was honorably discharged April 22, 1959 due to medical conditions that disqualified him from continuing his service. 

Merwin was united in marriage to Ardyth Horttor on July 30, 1966, at Blue Mound, Kan. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of three children; James, Aaron, and Angela.

He worked at Delco Remy in the maintenance department for 31 years.

Merwin had many hobbies.  Most of all, he enjoyed the time spent with his family. Following his children’s and grandchildren’s sports activities was a highlight of his life. He enjoyed sports, baseball, coaching girls’ softball, and time spent in the outdoors. He had played slow pitch softball in his younger years. He was a referee for high school football for 45-plus years and also umpired baseball and softball during the summers.

 He was a member of the Osage Valley Masonic Lodge #24 AF & AM in Osawatomie where he served as Master three times. His church affiliation was with Living Proof Church in Paola where he actively participated in numerous church activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter Madison Rice; his siblings Ernie, Dick, Roberta, Ethelyn, Gene, James, Art, and Clara.

Survivors include his wife Ardyth of the home; two sons James Y. Rice (Andi) of Nampa, Idaho, and Aaron Rice (Angel) of Linn Valley, Kan.; his daughter Angela Weiss (Chuck) of Lebo, Kan.; sister Emma Rice of Raytown, Mo.; six grandchildren Austin (Ashleigh) Weiss, Misty Weiss, Dylan (Addie) Rice, Colton Rice, Nichole Rice, and Conrad Rice; one great-grandson Theodore Weiss; many other relatives and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Living Proof Church.