RICE, Ava Ann - b. August 27, 1947 - d. February 15, 2026

[patyrn]

Ava Ann Rice of Fall River, Kansas was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 27. 1947.  She passed away on February 15, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

One of her most meaningful achievements was her many years of service as a nurse and working with the Oklahoma Red Cross where she devoted herself to helping those in need.  Ava was full of life and personality.  She loved to garden and travel, and she never passed up a chance to dance.  Known for her vibrant spirit, she was rarely seen without her nails painted a bright red to match her hair - a small but unmistakable reflection of her bold approach to life.

Ava leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughter, Dusty (David) Rymer; her grandchildren, Jesse Rymer, April Rymer, Leah Rymer, and Jacob Rymer; and her great-grandchildren, Logan Rymer, Michael Rymer, Diana Rymer, and Remington Rymer; a daughter, Tina Bryant of Denton, Texas; and a son, Bill Jones of Oklahoma.  She is also survived by several other family members.  She was preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Rymer; her mother, Margaret Lorentz; her father, Montia Rice; and her grandparents, Monroe Philbeck and Ann Philbeck.

Ava's legacy lives on in the many lives she helped and the great-grandchildren she adored.

A Celebration of Life was held on March 1, 2026 at the Fall River Community Building in Fall River, Kansas.  Memorials have been suggested in her memory to the Red Cross and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)