Carolyn Rice

Carolyn Rice, age 80, passed on Friday, February 13, 2026, at her home in Liberal, Kansas.

Carolyn was born on December 10, 1945, in Elk City, Oklahoma to John and Thelma (Abbott) Warren. At a young age Carolyn and her Mother moved to Liberal where Carolyn attended Liberal Schools graduating Liberal High School in 1963. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John, of Elk City and her mother Thelma of Liberal, two brothers Johnny Warren, of Conway, Arkansas, Charlie Joe Baker of Liberal, and Sister Shirli Poulton of Liberal. 

Carolyn is survived by Husband Jim Rice of Liberal, Daughter Melissa Rice of Loveland, Colorado. and Son Brian Rice of Scottsdale, Arizona.

 Carolyn and Jim were Married in Clayton, New Mexico on September 24, 1966, and moved to the family farm Northeast of Liberal. Carolyn was involved in many activities during her life including receiving her Cosmetology license in Liberal. Carolyn and her Sister-in-law Diana Rice opened a small hair salon soon after. She was a founding member of the Society For The Prevention Board Housewives (SPBH)a local ladies county extension club. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Seward County Historical Society followed by years of volunteering at the Society. She served as Secretary of the Seward County Five State Fair Board and kept track of farm finances for many years.

She and Jim co-owned and operated a cheese store in downtown Liberal and later they owned and operated the Cactus Patch at the farm where they designed and built wood items, furniture and decor. Carolyn decorated and painted many items that needed her special touch. Carolyn and Jim followed the craft show circuit for many years doing local shows and some as far away as Delaware. One show, West Fest, Copper Mountain Colorado, landed them in Frisco, Colorado ending their farming career and moving their Cactus Patch store to the mountains where Carolyn’s design skills impressed many customers. Rices sold their store in Frisco and moved to Longmont Colorado. While living in Longmont, Carolyn became the Activity Director and sometimes cook at a local assisted living facility. One morning Carolyn got a call saying the cook had not came to work and she needed to come and fix breakfast for the residents. This surprise experience led to a question from one resident asking “don’t you know how to cook an egg” after Carolyn tried to serve the residents cereal as she had never cooked for such a large group before. 

After living in Colorado, Arizona and Missouri Carolyn and Jim returned to the family farm north of Liberal and later moved into Liberal because Carolyn “wanted to see somebody”!! Once again Carolyn began volunteering at the Historical Society. She remained active until her health became a factor, but she remained steadfast in going to BRAUM’S to enjoy her favorite double dip of chocolate ice cream or chicken strips with gravy, most every evening. She loved visiting with her special group of friends. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Seward County Historical Society for “Dorothy’s House” which is Jim’s childhood home. Contributions can be sent to Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal Kansas, 67901. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com