Frieda Rice

Frieda Bertha O'Linda Wellensiek Rice, 93, Waco, widow of Howard, died Monday, August 11,2008 at the York Hearthstone. She was born August 10, 1915 near Lorton, NE to Paul W. and Paulina A. (Finke) Wellensiek. She was educated at Lorton Elementary and Dunbar High School graduating in 1934. She graduated from Peru State with a BA degree in teaching and taught at Ohiowa, Waco, and David City. She served as a W AC. (Woman Army Corp) in Iowa and Colorado. It was a "swell" experience but she was ready to get married. On January 15, 1944 she married Howard L. Rice at Marysville, KS. She enjoyed teaching but being a mother and raising three daughters was her calling. She and Howard owned the Waco school busses and Rice Transfer with Frieda serving as the bookkeeper/dispatcher. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's United Church of Christ-McWilliams at rural Talmage, NE. She was a member of the Waco United Methodist Church and active in the United Methodist Women and secretary of the church administrative council. She was also involved in 4-H, school and community activities.

She is survived by her daughters Lew Jane (Lewie) and her husband Verne Wiese of Fort Wayne, IN, Shirley L. Rice of Lincoln, NE, Phyllis Jean and her husband Bill Honnor of Waco, NE; a brother, Otto H. Wellensiek of Papillion, NE, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Wellensiek, sister Marie Wells, and her husband Howard.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 18,2008 at 10:30 am at the Metz Chapel in York with the Rev. Jeff Wulf officiating. Burial was in the Waco Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Waco Volunteer Fire Dept. or donor's choice.