Melba ‘Ruth’ Rice

Mrs. Rice died Sunday, May 12, 2002, at Eudora Nursing Center.

She was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Dill City, Okla., the daughter of Alonzo and Hester (Walker) Chancellor. She grew up and attended schools in Dill City, graduating from Dill City High School. She then attended Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, Okla.

Mrs. Rice moved to the Wellsville area in 1968 with her first husband, Harvey. She supported her husband’s work as pastor to several local churches in Wellsville, Baldwin and Worden.

She married Harvey Houchin on Jan. 31, 1943. He died Sept. 26, 1976. She then married William C. Rice on Feb. 28, 1981. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Tony Houchin, Waverly, and Daniel Houchin, Lawrence; two daughters, Phyllis Houchin, Wesley Chapel, Fla., and Patricia McCann, Graff, Mo.; a stepson, Richard Rice, Pittsburg; five brothers, James Chancellor, Wyman Chancellor, Paul Chancellor, Hershell Chancellor and Roger Chancellor; four sisters, Margaret McLerren, Deanne Roberson, Jeanne Gaffney and Clara Anderson; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

A grandchild died earlier.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to the service hour Wednesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin 66006.