Karen Rice Obituary

Karen Rice was born in Lehigh, Iowa, and grew up in Fort Dodge then moved to Des Moines. She was tough, funny, and never afraid to speak her mind.

Karen’s first marriage was to Lewis Levy in 1966. Karen’s second marriage was to Ray Rice, Sr. in 1971, the two of them built a loud, busy life of 54 years together — yours, mine, and ours — full of love, hard work, and a little chaos.

The Brady Bunch consisted of Ray and Karen Rice, Cheryl Cowling (George, Andrew, Craig, Jeffrey, Jesse, Amber), Laurie Leach (Tasha, Tina, Hunter), Rebecca Levy (Christopher, Nicholas, Valarie,Eric, Nathan, Kyle, Amber, David, Stephanie, Zaccary), Margret Adams (Dysaray, Brandon, Amanda, Tyler, Summer) Cynthia Wilson (Staisha, Alesha), Rachel Moses (Syd, Beth, Kenz, Christian, Briana, Kael, Genna), Ray Rice Jr (Janie, Allen), Jasmine Levy, and Jacob Levy (Mason, Ty, Cayleigh, Rylie, Jill, Sam) & many great grandchildren.

Karen was a jack of all trades and had many different occupations throughout her life. She was well known for Rice Repair and Towing, and a karaoke business Rice n Co. There wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do, and she didn’t slow down for anyone.

Karen loved her garden, sweet tea, and pecan pie. She liked karaoke, dancing, and never turned down a good time. She could be stubborn as a mule but would give the shirt off her back to help a neighbor.

She was strong-willed, creative, and one of a kind.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9am to 12pm (noon), Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA. A private service for the family will follow.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel

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