Lee Etta (Rice) Knuth

Lee Etta Rice Knuth

Sunrise October 19, 1924 -  Sunset January 21, 2023

Lee, 98, passed peacefully on January 21, 2023.  She was born in La Monte, Missouri to John Avery Rice, Sr. and Esther Matilda (Yost) Rice.  She graduated La Monte High School, attended Central Missouri State, and continued her education at the University of Kansas.  While attending KU, Lee met and married Kenneth Lawrence Knuth on March 19, 1949 in Martin City, Missouri.

Lee’s life was filled with lifetime commitments to First United Methodist Church and choir, United Methodist Women, P.E.O. (Chapter FP), and Independence Country Club. She was also involved with Ladies Golf Association, KWGA, Jr. Golf, Contemporary Study Club, Monday Music Club, Girl Scouts, Neewollah and several bridge clubs.

Lee was one of nine children with surviving siblings; Lillian Butler, Vernon Rice, Marilyn Guthrie and John Avery Rice, Jr.  She is survived by her children, Lynne Shanks of Dallas, TX; Becky (Kirk) Bruening of Angel Fire, NM; Fred Knuth of Prairie Village, KS and Lisa Kelley of Dallas, TX. Also surviving are grandchildren: Lisa (Matt) Heitz, Kevin Knuth, Erin (Jack) Boyce, Ryan (Caitlin) Knuth, Lindsey (Mark) Boyce, Alex Bruening, Matthew Kelley and Blake Kelley. Great grandchildren surviving: Andrew, Grace, Luke, Holland, Braeden, McClain and Hayes. Special surviving “daughter”, Vashti (Dave) Goins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenny, daughter-in-law Chris, four siblings, and one grandchild.

Lee was passionate about God, family, golf, bridge, and traveling. All of these she enjoyed as much as possible with family and friends throughout her full life.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at the Independence Country Club on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.

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