Steve Rice

May 7, 1947-Dec. 31, 2025 Steven LaRaine Rice of Excelsior Springs passed away Dec. 31, 2025, at age 78 at North Kansas City Health Center.

Steve was born May 7, 1947, in Independence to George and Ida Mae (Simms) Rice. He was the oldest of six children.

He graduated in 1965 from North Kansas City High School. During high school, Steve worked at the Riverside Red X Supermarket, where he first met and began dating his lifelong partner, Carolyn Fisher. They were married on Aug. 5, 1966, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

After high school, Steve worked briefly at the Kansas City Mineral Co. before beginning a 26-year career at Cook Paint and Varnish in North Kansas City as a laboratory technician. When Cook Paint closed in 1991, Steve went to work for the Excelsior Springs Public Works Department, where he served for 15 years until his retirement in 2009.

In 1996, Steve also took a part-time job at Walmart in the paint and hardware department, working both jobs simultaneously until retiring from public works. He continued working at Walmart until fully retiring in 2019 after 23 years of service.

Steve took great pride in his work and family, always willing to pick up extra hours when needed to make ends meet. His strong work ethic, faith and family values were traits he passed down to his three children, Brian, Brent and Becky.

When he wasn’t working, Steve enjoyed family vacations at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was an avid car and tractor enthusiast, and a devoted fan of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

After the family moved in 1978 from Kansas City to Excelsior Springs, Steve became actively involved at the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs. Over the years, he served in many roles, including usher, treasurer, church bus driver and later as a member of the church’s security team. Steve took great pride in qualifying for his firearms certifications and concealed carry permit; and he enjoyed collecting, trading and target shooting whenever possible.

Steve also appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including drive-in movies, bowling, regular visits with friends and card games. Through the years, he and Carolyn enjoyed longer trips with friends Larry and Gloria Roberts, traveling across the country to destinations such as Graceland, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower and Mackinac Island. When Becky moved to California, Steve and Carolyn made frequent trips to visit her and her family.

In 2012, Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He never allowed the disease to define him, and continued working, volunteering and traveling for many years. His determination and pride carried him through life, and Parkinson’s never stopped him from doing what he loved.

In addition to his wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn (Fisher) Rice of Excelsior Springs, Steve is survived by his children, Brian (Christi) Rice of Excelsior Springs, Brent (Shannon) Rice of Richmond and Becky (Spencer) Sznejkowski of Arroyo Grande, Calif. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Brad (Corin) Rice of Excelsior Springs, Lela Rice of St. Louis, Em Rice of Excelsior Springs, Rachelle Wortley of Sweet Springs, Rosaleigh Sznejkowski of Arroyo Grande and Riley Sznejkowski of Arroyo Grande.

Other survivors include his great-grandchildren, Zachary Rice of Excelsior Springs, Madison Wortley of Sweet Springs, Mason Snyder of Sweet Springs and James Webb Jr. of Sweet Springs; and siblings, Austin (Bernadette) Rice of Independence, Marjorie (Mike) Grisham of Osceola, Dayl (Cindy) Rice of Richmond, Sandra (Mark) McLaughlin of Gladstone and Glenn (Dorothy) Rice of McDonald, Tenn., and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ida Mae Rice. Services were held Thursday, Jan. 8, at the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, 1650 Rainbow Blvd. Visitation started at 10 a.m. and the service followed at 11. Burial was in the Pilot Grove City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs or the Parkinson’s Foundation in Steve’s memory.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.