Betty Elizabeth Rice passed peacefully from this life on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born February 8, 1939, in Gorman, Texas to Leavell and Leona Gray McCrary in the Suez community west of Downing, Texas. She attended grade school in Beattie and Downing and graduated from De Leon High School in 1956. She married her loving husband of 46 years, Robert Rice, on April 19, 1958, in De Leon, Texas.

Betty grew up on the farm where she learned her work ethics at an early age, rising early to hoe peanuts, sew sacks during peanut thrashing, and drive the tractor during watermelon and cantaloupe gathering. After graduation, she spent her adult life working for Farmers and Merchants Bank and it wasn't unusual for Betty's car to be the first in the parking lot and one of the last to leave. Betty loved her bank and her career. She worked in most of the departments during her career there and finally retired on October 31, 2014, at the age of 76, after serving a dedicated 56 years for the company. She finished her career as President and Chief Operating Officer. Betty was recognized by the Texas House of Representatives on February 19, 2015, by vote. Her special recognition was presented by State Representative J.D. Sheffield, District 59, acknowledging her many achievements in the banking industry.

Her hobbies were working in her yard and growing pretty flowers. She was an avid reader and always had a book close by. Her favorites were the history books about the American Indian, The Knights Templar, and Scottish Highlanders. After retirement, Betty loved to go to the Senior Citizens and play Mexican Train and put puzzles together, as well as eat out weekly with a group of lady friends. Most important was the time she spent with her family, especially her great granddaughter, Kalli.

Betty is survived by her children, Stephen Rice and Michael Rice; grandson, Colton Rice; great granddaughter, Kalli Duncan; sister-in-law, Ann Baker; niece, Donna Lynn Overton, (Carl Overton); and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Rice; granddaughter, Kayla Rice and her unborn son, Kyan Dexter; parents, Leavell and Leona Gray McCrary; brothers, Harold W. McCrary, (Mae Belle); niece, Dianna Petrosky; and other family.

Graveside funeral services celebrating Betty's life were held Friday, April 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Pastor John Woodard and Pastor Kaiya Kershaw officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the De Leon Senior Citizen Center at 133 N Ball Park Loop, De Leon, in memory of Betty.