Kayla Nicole Rice, 33, and her unborn son, Kyan Dexter, passed away tragically in late November 2020 in Beaumont, Texas.

Kayla was born in Brownwood, Texas on November 8, 1987 to Stephen Rice and Pamela (Rice) Hanson. She attended schools in De Leon Texas and was a 2006 High School Honor Graduate.  She was active in UIL, softball, and band.  She participated in solo and ensemble band contests and received All District and Region band honors playing the Clarinet and Bass Clarinet.

She attended Tarleton State University and received her BBA in Human Resources in May 2013.  She was active in the Symphony Band while at Tarleton.  Kayla completed her degree while working and taking care of her family.  She had completed numerous hours of graduate level work with Western Governors University.

Kayla's greatest joy was becoming a mother to Kalli on December 10, 2009.  She loved her daughter so much. While circumstances kept them apart for a while, the love they had for each other was always strong and will be never ending.

Kayla can best be described as nice, smart, and shy, with a kind and sweet soul. She was a beautiful, funny, and silly person who would do anything for her family and friends, no questions asked.  She had a wonderful heart and soul.  She was usually the last one to get the joke and then sometimes it still had to be explained to her.  She gave us many laughs and sometimes not so many laughs!!!!

Kayla was a member of the First United Methodist Church in De Leon and served in the nursery and Vacation Bible School for many years.  She went on mission trips to Mexico and West Virginia and participated in many youth activities.

Kayla is survived by her daughter, Kalli Dawn Duncan of Comanche; her father, Stephen Rice of De Leon; her mother and stepfather, Pamela and Vance Hanson of El Segundo, California; one brother, Colton Rice of De Leon, her Granny, Betty Rice of De Leon and Grandma, Ida Morren of Carrolton; uncles, Michael Rice of Glen Rose and Thomas Morren and wife, Jeanette, of Andrews; aunt, Linda Morren of Eastland;  three step brothers, Curtis Hanson and Matt Hanson and wife, Ashley, of Gallatin, Tennessee, and Ryan Hanson and wife, Katina, of Anaheim, California; other extended family; and many sweet friends.

Kayla was preceded in death by her Pa (Robert Rice), Nannie (Bonnie Morren) and PaPa John (Johnnie Morren), Great Granny (Leona McCrary) and Grandmother Rice (Laura Rice).

Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Rev. John Woodard officiating and special friend, Megan Hamby, speaking.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, De Leon, or a charity of your choice, in memory of Kayla.