Vanda Louise (Gibson) Rice

Vanda Louise (Gibson) Rice, passed on 6/7/22 a longtime resident of Ashland, passed away peacefully after a battle with a long term illness on Tuesday, 2022. Vanda was born to Perry and Margaret Gibson on May 24, 1948. She recently turned 74.

Vanda’s career included owning and directing daycare centers, including KIDS daycare in Ashland. Together, Vanda and Larry touched the lives of generations of children.

Besides children, Vanda was a lover of teddy bears and leopard print. She was an active, concerned listener and avid problem solver who was not afraid to pull out a “Vanda lecture” if necessary.

Vanda’s glass was always half full. Even on her hardest days, she could find the silver lining in any cloud and make people laugh with her witty sense of humor. She could light up a room with her smile, her radiant energy, and her twinkling “blue jean” eyes. Not only was Vanda a positive force of nature, she had an unassuming strength and was considered tough as nails by those who knew her best.

Vanda was a loving wife to Larry, whom she met at Rice’s gas station in her youth. She was a devoted mother to Samantha and Sara and adored both her grandchildren, Eric, Andy, and Noah, as well as her great grandchildren, Mia, Cason, and Caden. In addition, Vanda was a loving parent to countless pets throughout her life.

Vanda was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and mentor. One of her favorite sayings was “leave it better than you found it,” and Vanda certainly left this world better than she found it and will be missed everyday.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Margaret Gibson, sisters, Linda and Sheryl Gibson, and brothers, Billy and Walter Gibson, and her daughter, Samantha Nichols.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Rice, her daughter, Sara Rice (Bernuth), grandchildren, Eric, Andy, and Noah, and her great grandchildren, Mia, Cason, and Caden, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held on June 21st at the Ashland Senior Center at 406 Douglas Drive. There will be a short celebration of life at 5:00pm, followed by visitation from 5:30-8:00pm.

Flowers can be sent to the home at 306 E. Broadway, Ashland. Cards can be sent to PO Box 65, Ashland, MO, 65010.

Masks will be required at the service