Ward W. Rice, age 94, of Ramey Ridge Road, Morehead, was born February 17, 1926, and departed this world October 9, 2020.

Ward was born at Haldeman, Kentucky, to John Marion Rice and Dea Thomas Rice.

The first treasure he claimed from this earth was a young girl by the name of Nova Joyce Crosthwaite.

They married December 6, 1947.  They built a life, a home and a family together. The second treasure he accumulated was his three children:  Michael Wade Rice (Sammye), Shawna Louise Cox (John), and Lori Dea Rice (waiting in Heaven for her Daddy).   As time went by, he again was blessed with a third treasure--three grandchildren who were his joy: Cassie Rae James (Tom), Corey Clayton Cox (Amanda) and Kara Nicole Fouch (Kellen).

Life went on. They served their Lord, worked with a plan and enjoyed the life that the Lord had given

them.  They grew old together, appreciating each day that came. The fourth treasure that was acquired was more than the heart could grasp--eight great grandchildren:  Amy Caitlin Roberts, Samuel Kenneth Roberts, Joseph Michael Roberts, Jase Clayton Cox, Reagan McKenzie Cox, Rachel Addison Cox, Gryder Zane Fouch, and Abram Ward Fouch.

His treasure chest was full, his wealth complete.  They say you can't take your treasure with you.

In his case, his treasure--his family--will follow his lead…onward and upward.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where

thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither

moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your

treasure is, there will your heart be also." -- Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

Ward was preceded in death by both parents and all of his siblings:  Prentice Bowen (Claudie), Vee Vee Bledsoe (Richard), Joseph Byron Rice (Doris) and John Witzal Rice.  Three sisters died in

childhood:  Wanda, Irma and Numa Rice.  Also, one niece, Valerie Bledsoe Haft (Adrian).

Two surviving nieces:  Willa Bowen Hensley (Gary) and Deanna Rice Butler.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on October 13, 2020, at Clearfield Baptist Church., 909 McBrayer Road, Clearfield, KY 40313.  A funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Parr and Daniel Picazo officiating.

Following the service, burial will take place in Brown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Michael Wade Rice, John Clayton Cox, Corey Clayton Cox, William Kellen Fouch, Gary Hensley, and Roger Cox.  Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Johnson, Arlie Perry, Donnie Plank, Curt Cundiff, Scott Elliott, Wilburn Jennings, Billy Bowman, Tom James, Rufus Keeton, Chester Catron, Lowell Manning, Randy Donathan, and Lloyd Dean.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements.

Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com