Richard “Rich” Rice, resident of North Loup, Nebraska passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Country House Residence in Grand Island, Nebraska at the age of 84.

Richard was born on August 25, 1942, in Ord, Nebraska, the son of Harwood and Grace (Williams) Rice. He grew up in North Loup and graduated from North Loup-Scotia High School in 1960. On January 14, 1962, Richard married the love of his life, Darla Noyes, with whom he shared a loving marriage and three children, Troy, Trudy, and Tracy.

Richard dedicated 33 years to his career at Farmers CO-OP, taking on the role of manager from 1976 until his retirement. Following retirement, he remained active by running a lawn service, working at Trotter Fertilizer in Scotia, and assisting Jim Shoemaker during harvest.

In September of 2012, Richard faced a challenging battle with West Nile Virus, demonstrating remarkable perseverance through four months of hospitalization and rehabilitation to regain mobility; learning how to walk and function.

His commitment to community service was evident through his involvement with the Popcorn Days committee and 25 years with the North Loup Volunteer Fire Department.

As an outdoorsman, Rich enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time tending to his yard and garden. He thought that mornings in nature were the best part of the day.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Darla of North Loup; son, Troy Rice of Pleasanton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Trudy and Matt Smith and Tracy and Jim Meister all of Grand Island. He was blessed to have four grandchildren call him “Grandpa”, Brittney and Jeff Wilson, Joe and Jessica Meister, Hannah and Aaryon Shadow and Jacob Meister; and five loving great-grandchildren who called him “Pa Pa Rich”; one expectant great-grandson; and a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Dwana Rice of Grand Island.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and mother-in-law, Vesta “Betty” Ingraham.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup. Pastor D. Scott Smith will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery at North Loup. 

Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice for future designation.