Theodore B. "Ted" Rice, 86, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009, after a courageous battle with a reoccurrence of cancer. He was born on April 28, 1923, on the family farm in St. Andrews to pioneers, Everett and Laura Rice and had lived in Coulee City his entire life. Ted graduated from Coulee City High School and attended Washington State College (now WSU). Ted married Mary Little on October 15, 1944, at her parent's home in Almira, WA. They recently celebrated 65 wonderful years together. They raised their two daughters, Marcia and Marianne, on the family wheat farm. Ted was devoted to his family, to his friends and to his community. Throughout his life, he was active in numerous community, school, agricultural and fraternal organizations, some of which include his longtime involvement with the Washington Wheat Grower's Association, Coulee City Presbyterian Church, Almira Masonic Lodge, El Katif Shrine, Evening Star Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), St. Andrews Grange, Coulee City Senior Center and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), where he was awarded a Gold Card for his many years of service. He was also honored as Coulee City's Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year. Ted was one of the founding members of the Coulee City Last Stand Rodeo Association. He was there, with his father, Everett, in 1952, when the rodeo began and had supported this event with countless hours of work he loved doing on its behalf. In 2006, the Rodeo Association honored Ted by having the rodeo arena named after him - The Ted Rice Arena. He was most proud of that and will be remembered as a great champion for rodeo throughout Washington and our surrounding states.

Ted is survived by his wife, Mary, at home in Coulee City; daughters, Marcia (Mel) Henkle of East Wenatchee and Marianne Bechtol of Kennewick; three grandchildren, Geoff Bechtol, Amy Bechtol and Brett Henkle; one step-grandchild, Nicole Castle; four great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Betty McNeil of Coulee Dam and Phyliss Rice of Coulee City; numerous nieces and nephews; and hundreds of friends throughout the area. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and three sisters.

A Family Burial was held Friday, December 11, 2009, in Spokane, WA. A Memorial Service Celebrating Ted's Life will be held Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the Coulee City Middle School. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coulee City Presbyterian Church or to a scholarship fund in Ted's name, c/o Daphne Hennigh, Sterling Savings Bank, 309 West Main Street, Coulee City, WA 99115.