June 10, 1928 – July 16, 2025

Francis “Bob” Willard Rice passed away at home surrounded by family on July 16, 2025, at the age of 97. He was born June 10, 1928, in Longmont, Colorado, to Harry Rice and Ethel Ownbey.
In 1963, Bob and his wife Betty moved to Carbondale with their four kids and made it their home. A proud Army veteran and a man of many trades, Bob worked in the diversion tunnels above Ruedi Reservoir and worked as a carpenter for Sutherland Construction for over 25 years. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, build, or make better.
Bob never sat still—he always had a project in the works. Whether it was mowing the yard, tending to the garden, or raking the gravel road just to keep things tidy, his tireless work ethic defined him.
He was stubborn in the best way, a loyal animal lover, and a natural storyteller whose humor and magnetic personality drew people in. Time with him meant laughter, learning, and stories.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, daughter Cindy Kenney, and grandson Derek Refsland.
Bob is survived by his children Bobbie Bamford, Deb Rice, Bill Rice (Kacy), and son-in-law Mike Kenney; grandchildren Doug Johnson (Mason), Shelbi Bauer (Ben), Brie Fitzsimmons (Greg), Alyx Smith (Devin), Ty Rice (Lindsey), Jade Bath, Jordan Russell (Kyle), and Trae Moxley (Margaret); and great-grandchildren Max, Emerson, Everett, Kira, Hunter, Tatum, Teagan, Duke, Boone, Bodie, Nash, Owen, and Levi.
True to form, Bob didn’t want a funeral, and his family is honoring that wish. In his memory, mow your yard, start that project you’ve been putting off, or spend an afternoon working in the garden—just the way he would have wanted. Then, cap off the day with a home-cooked supper enjoyed outside with your loved ones.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Carol Schreiner for her compassion and care.
Bob Rice will be deeply missed and forever remembered.