Mary Elizabeth Rice, 76, Olathe, Kansas passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in Olathe, Kansas.  There will be a private family burial service Friday, April 15, 2022, with a memorial service planned for Sunday, April 24th at 3:00 PM. The service will be held in the Garrett Chapel of College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe.  Memorial contributions may be made to College Church of The Nazarene.  Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com

Mary Beth was born November 3, 1945 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Charles and Myrtis (Creech) Johnston.  She attended Morrilton High School and Bethany Nazarene College, earning a degree in Sociology.  Mary Beth moved to the Kansas City metropolitan area in 1967.  She first worked as a social worker in Missouri, she then worked in the Olathe School District for 10 years and finished her career as a realtor  with Keller Williams.  Mary Beth was an active member of College Church of the Nazarene and was highly involved in the Women’s Ministries group for many years.

Mary Beth was known for her kindness and for her willingness to help anyone who needed a little extra love and support. Her home was a second home to many. She will be remembered for her apple pie, her sweet tea and her even sweeter smile. Mary Beth was deeply loved by her family and by all of those who knew her.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Blaine, of the home; children:  Dev Rice (Harold Morales), Roeland Park, KS, Matthew Rice (Heather), Olathe, KS and Michelle Rice-Locke, Olathe, KS; brother Charles Ralph Johnston, Oregon, and her five grandchildren, who she adored.