Born July 1, 1932, in Peculiar, MO, to Howard and Hazel (Sears) Groh, Joyce graduated from Belton High School in 1950. She earned her teaching degree and spent 35 years as an educator, retiring to volunteer as a church librarian for over 12 years.
Joyce married Don M. Rice in 1953, and together they raised three children: Don Jr., Deborah, and Elizabeth. Joyce was a passionate genealogist, tracing her roots back to 1786, and a devoted traveler who visited all 50 states and numerous countries, including China, Germany, the UK, and the Holy Land.
In 1998, she moved to Blue Springs to assist her daughter and built a second community of friends. Joyce loved spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, and playing board games. She also kept a collection of comic strips in a "Joy Box."
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; her son, Don Jr.; her daughter, Beth; and her sister, Ruby Lee Myers.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Geyer; grandchildren, Chelsea, Matthew, Caleb, and Rachel; great-granddaughters, Arya and Leah; and numerous cousins.
Memorial donations in honor of Joyce Jean Rice may be made to the Dr. Don M. Rice Scholarship in Special Education at University of Central Missouri.
A visitation for Joyce will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133.
A funeral service will occur Friday, April 11, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133.
A graveside service will occur Friday, April 11, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home & Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133.
