Janice Linda Pacheco, 67, born Sept. 5, 1958, in Monte Vista, Colo., passed into the presence of the Lord June 13, 2025, in the hospital in Cameron.

During a yearlong battle with aggressive Stage 4 lymphoma, she fought valiantly.

Janice was the beloved daughter of Benjamin and Beatrice Pacheco. She grew up in Saguache, Colo., and attended Mountain Valley Elementary and Junior High School. At the beginning of her high school years, she transferred to a trade school in Alamosa, Colo.

She met Ken Rice. They married and had three children together. After residing in Saguache for a time, Janice moved to Craig, Colo., where she worked in construction for the Colorado Department of Highways.

Later, Janice moved to Excelsior Springs to be closer to family. She worked many years as a housekeeper for nursing homes in Excelsior Springs and Cameron.

After retirement, Janice enjoyed being at home. She loved to read poetry and had a collection of some of her favorite poems. She loved getting on the computer and researching poems and reading about her favorite poets.

Janice was passionate about Native American culture and wolves. She had a vast collection of Native American art pieces and home decor, along with artwork and pictures of wolves.

Janice was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and loved to tease her family members, who were Kansas City Chiefs backers.

She was a big fan of the reality TV show “Survivor.” On Wednesday nights, you could find her sitting on her couch with a bowl of popcorn in front of the television, enjoying her show.

Janice is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Rice of Alliance, Neb.; a son, Jason Rice of Excelsior Springs; and three sisters, Helen Montoya of Santa Rosa, N.M., Virginia Love of Excelsior Springs and Liz Everist (Steven) of Temple, Texas. Other survivors include her sister-inlaw, Donna Pacheco of Granbury, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Shauna Alferez; three brothers, Al, Bobby and Danny Pacheco; two sisters, Victoria Briggs and Ruth Quintana; and three brothers-in-law, Richard Love, Abel Quintana, and Ernest Quintana.

Janice will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will forever live in our hearts. She was one of our hardest goodbyes. Days will pass, and even years, but we will always remember you with silent tears.