It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Peggy Lou Rice, who left us on September 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Peggy was born on October 5, 1947, in Winemuca, NV, to Dallas Elmer and Wanda Edith (Wigton) Jones, and spent many years of her life in Springfield, MO, where she was not just a resident, but a cherished member of the community. She was united in marriage to George Ferral Rice in 1977.

Peggy was a proud Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who dedicated her life to caring for others in the medical field, and retired from Cox Medical Center Springfield, MO. Her gentle spirit and compassionate heart touched the lives of many patients and colleagues alike. She was fun and liked to make sarcastic jokes.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband George Ferral Rice; and a nephew Jeff McCutcheon.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, DeAnn Alipour of Arvada, CO, and Melissa Rice of Denton, TX; two grandchildren: Dustin and Brandon Alipour; her sister, Patricia Edmondson (Dale) of Morrisville, MO; a niece Nancy McCutcheon of Morrisville, MO; as well as other relatives and friends. Each of them carries forward the warmth and kindness that Peggy embodied throughout her life.

Peggy will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her passion for her work, and her ability to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

According to Peggy’s wishes her body will be cremated. In celebration of her life, a graveside service will be held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery Springfield, MO, a later date, where family and friends can gather to share stories, remember the good times, and honor the incredible woman Peggy was. We invite everyone who knew Peggy to join us in honoring her memory and celebrating the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, Peggy would have appreciated donations made to the March of Dimes, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, reflecting her lifelong dedication to caring for others. Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.