Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Eldon E. Rice age 83 of Forsyth

October 30, 1933 – January 1, 2017

Eldon E. Rice Passed away January 1, 2017 at Rosebud Healthcare Center surrounded by his family.

Once upon a time, there along the banks of the lower Yellowstone Valley near Savage, Montana, arrived a toe head on October 30, 1933. He was born to George and Ottoni Rice following their arrival from Oklahoma in a Model-T, joining four siblings; Loraine, George Jr., Virginia and Eloise. Grandpa Pedersen and Uncle Albert Pedersen were on a sugar beet farm, where everyone worked on the small diversified farm raising crops and cattle during the ”Dirty Thirties” until they acquired their own farm near the intake diversion. Things started to prosper after WWII started and agriculture became more favorable. Eldon graduated from Savage High School in 1952.

He attended Montana State from 1952-1956 receiving a degree in General Agriculture and Commission in the US Army, Armor Branch, serving in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Korea, and Fort Lewis, Washington, before starting his Extension Career in Rosebud-Treasure Counties on February 1, 1960. He returned to Montana State and received a Master’s Degree in Range Science in 1965.

Eldon served on many boards and committees over the years, serving as secretary for several.  Eldon made acquaintances easy and, until coal development started to expand open-pit mining, he knew about every family in Rosebud and Treasure Counties. Early in Extension Career, he met Morla Cole and they married in June 1962. From this marriage Morla Elizabeth was born, a beautiful toe head little girl just like her dad.

Eldon and family purchased the old OZ Ranch on Armells Creek in 1970. A variety of animals were always on the place, keeping the work ethic going along with career work. Due to coal development and rapid growth forecast for the area, the County Commissioners requested that Eldon coordinate planning board activities. He said he didn’t know anything about planning, but the Commissioners responded with “You know the people!”

The planning commission carried out activities from 1974-1985, when budgets were down sized, resulting in job termination.  Eldon sought new employment and landed in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in another county agent role. Morla Elizabeth was in college first at Dawson Community College and later Dickenson State University where the love of her life, Mike Moser, had a full scholarship to play basketball.

Retirement was in the picture for Eldon in late 1988, thus returning to Rosebud County, where he became involved in the County Fair.  1985 was perhaps one of the most eventful years, he sought new employment early, lost his father to death in June, went through divorce in October, and married Velma G. Thomas in December. This expanded family brought two step-children; Jess Owen Bardon and Jerette Lynne Bardon.

Eldon was always drawn to the farm environment where he worked on various farms, particularly helping with sugar beet harvest, driving truck in the Howard Valley for nearly 50 years.

Eldon was a member of several organizations: the MSU Alumni Board for two terms, Rosebud-Treasure Wildlife Association, and Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs, serving as president in 1999 and receiving fair manager of the year Kermit Fleming Award, thus a life member. He also is a life member of Hiram Lodge #52, serving as Master of the Lodge five times, and also an active in York Rite. He is a 55 year Lions Club Member and served in several offices.  Eldon’s hobbies included harmonica playing, bird watching, hunting the Montana moss agate, and working on farms. He volunteered a lot too!

Eldon is survived by his wife, Velma; daughter, Morla E. (Mike) Moser; step-son Jess ( Robin) Bardone; Jerette (Derick) Mitzkus; siblings: George (Jinny) Rice, Virginia Rahr, Eloise Edwards, Buford ( Darlyne) Rice, Bert (Deanna) Rice, Steven (Judy) Rice, Emery (Jody) Rice, and Jim (Barb) Rice; grandchildren:  Mallori Moser, Brady Mitzkus, Gwendolyn Mitzkus, Shannon Duede, and Sara Camp;  and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Loraine Carter; and grandson Mikray George Morris Moser.

 

 

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Thursday January 5, 2017

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

245 Westwind Lane

Forsyth, MT 59327

View map

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Thursday January 5, 2017

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

245 Westwind Lane

Forsyth, MT 59327

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. I am so sorry for the passing of Eldon, he was a great person whom we will all miss.

  2. So enjoyed working with Eldon on the Fair. He was hard working, fair to all and just a all round wonderful person. Velma and family we are thinking of you all.

  3. Prayers and Hugs to you Velma and family. We are so sorry for your loss He was a great man. Walt & Bigitte

  4. Shocking news, Velma. He gave so freely of his talents to promote any cause or activity that built or promoted the community. What an incredible role model. I enjoyed our visits so much. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his loved ones. Find some comfort in knowing that others share your loss.

  5. Velma & family, Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and yours at this sad time. Our prayers are with you all. R.I.P. Eldon!

  6. Not only a great loss to the family but to the community as well. He will be missed by the numerous organizations he was a member of and by the Rosebud and Forsyth communities he was such a crucial part of. Virgil had many good times working with Eldon on the county and I got to know Eldon very well as a member of the Lion’s Club. Whether he was the song leader, the Master of Ceremonies or giving the invocation…….and at times he was doing them all at the same time……….he was a Master. What a wonderful legacy he has left. May peace be with you Eldon.

    Virgil and Waneeta Farrris

  7. We are so sorry Velma to hear on the passing of Eldon.Eldon gave his heart and soul to make this community great to live in and out of town people to visit.Eldon was truly a great asset to this community.We will miss him,our prayers are with you and your family.R.I.P Eldon.

  8. So sorry Velma and family to hear of Eldon’s passing. May it comfort you to know that others are praying for you during this difficult time. May God’s love and your memories bring you peace.

  9. Velma and family. I am so sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. He was a very important part of our community and will be greatly missed. He was one of the best. Hugs and prayers for you and the family. If you need any help, I am here for you.

  10. So so sorry Velma and family. My heart goes out to you. What a guy!! Prayers and hugs to you.

  11. So so sorry Velma and family. What a guy, many memories. Hugs and prayers.

  12. So sorry for your loss Velma & family. Eldon was a great guy and will be missed by all that knew him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  13. We have lost a kind and gentle man. Rosebud County was very blessed to have Eldon. We are fortunate to have known him as our nighbor and our friend.

  14. VELMA and family so sorry for your loss. Eldon will be missed by many. He would come to Town Pump to have coffee in the early morning and visited with the other guys there or the staff. Prayers for you and your family

  15. Velma and family so sorry for your loss. Eldon will be missed by many. Prayers and hugs to you all. Sharon Cope

  16. Velma and all the Rice family, we are so sorry in passing of Eldon. He was such a great man. He will be missed by so many. Hold your memories close. Ithe might help to know he is not sick any more. Hugs to all of you.

  17. A community man like no other! Irreplaceable. Sending my condondolences to all his family.

  19. Velma, I am so sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close and he will live on in you. I am sure you are relieved that he is in no more pain. Miss you and the kitchen staff, I always remember Eldon sitting in the dining room visiting anyone who was in there. He will be missed by many. Debbie

  20. Velma & family so sorry to hear this news–Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you. He was a great man.

  22. To all of Eldons family,
    Thoughts and prayers for all of you during this difficult time! What a great person that we all got to know in our lifetime. Eldon will be missed by many and each person will hold their own memories of him. Prayers for each of you in the hours and the days ahead. Hold fast to your faith in the loss of this quiet, Christian man!

  23. I am so sorry, Velma. I know you told me Eldon was ill, bit I had no idea. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  24. Velma and family, we are so sorry to learn of your loss. Eldon will be greatly missed by all. We are holding you and your family up in prayer.

  25. Velma, so very sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs.

  27. Velma, my prayers are with you, Eldon was my first County Agent, he was a man of the community, a friend to many, please know Velma I am here for you,

  28. Velma and family, so sorry to hear of Eldon’s passing. He was a great man and will be missed .

  29. Velma and Morla and family,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. I will miss him. I have so many great memories and I hope that yours help you through this difficult time.

  31. Velma andfamily,So sorry to hear about Eldon. We always enjoyed visiting with him.He will be greatly missed.If we can do anything please let us know. Peace and prayers for Eldon and all family.Thinking of you. Ron and Connie

  32. Velma, so sorry to hear of Eldons passing. His work at the fair and in the community was a reflection of great person he was. He will be missed.

  35. Velma and Morla,
    Elon will be greatly missed. I remember good times while working with him in Rainbow, lodge, and at church. He gave so much to the community. My condolences go out to you. Praying for you all.

  38. Velma we pray for you in your loss. He was a great guy. He did so much for the community.

  39. Velma and family we are so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Eldon and you, what a kind gentle man he was. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Brenda and Russ

  40. Sorry to read about Eldon’s passing. His influence on my life was through 4-H in the early 1960s. He was a kind man and truly a leader in his community for many years.

  41. Velma, Eldon always had a smile on his face . Always so uplifting to be around. He served others with such a willing heart. He will surely be missed. I pray for you and know the Lord will bring you through this time of grief, and your wonderful memories will be treasures you can keep with you. God Bless You, Lin Koerper

  42. Velma, so sorry to hear about Eldon, He was a good man with a wonderful personality and gave of himself so much. Our prayers are for you and the family.

  43. Velma, you know how fond we were of Eldon (and you). He was a great guy and one of the very best RMAF Presidents I had the pleasure of working with. I still have the kitty gifts he brought me and have thought of you guys often through the years

  45. So sorry to hear about the loss of Eldon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all
    of his family. May he rest in peace. We pray that your wonderful memories help
    you through this difficult time. Linda and RIchard Meidinger

  46. Velma and family, sorry to hear about Eldon passing,such a sweet man.hugs and prayers

  47. I will always have fond memories of Eldon – as county agent while I was in 4-H, ran into him in Arizona one time while I was living there, then this last year I ran into him again and had a great catch up visit. We were reminiscing about a 4-H trail ride on the reservation. He was a great man.

  48. Velma, Lttle M, Morla, and all Eldon’s family; So sorry for your loss. Thinking of
    and praying for all of you.

  49. To all of Eldons loved ones….we lift you up in prayer to our Father God, that He will bring comfort to you all during this difficult time. Eldon was such a joy to visit with and he brought great joy tò many, I think especially to his uncle Albert and the residents at the Savage Assisted Living center (including my mom) when he would entertain them with his harmonica playing. He’s entertaining them in heaven for sure. I think Velma, our best visit with you and Eldon was at a Savage all class reunion. Fun and laughter!
    He is in his forever home now and will be forever in the hearts of those who he befriended. God bless.

  50. Eldon was a great person, very much respected. I got to know him when he came to MSU to work on his Masters, while I was working on my Bachelor’s degree…he was very hard working person….I never will forget him. My sympathy goes out to the family….

  51. Velma and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Eldon. He was a sweet man. I remember 2 years ago when I had a flat tire at work. He wouldn’t just leave it. He made sure that my tire was fixed before I got off work, something he didn’t have to do. I will miss seeing him and to you Velma remember we are all here for you. I am so glad that I had the privilege to meet him. He will be missed greatly.

  52. Met and worked with Eldon as fellow County Agent and on alumni board at MSU. I was blessed to know him. May he Rest In Peace.
    Cal Oraw, Dickinson, Nd

  53. Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to Eldon’s wonderful family in their time of sorrow. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow. He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and the Rosebud/ Forsyth communities.

  54. Velma – we were saddened to read about Eldon’s passing. He was important to the community and to all its citizens. He was a wonderful person and very easy to talk to. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

  55. So sorry to hear of Eldon passing. Our deepest sympathy to Velma and all the family.

  56. A great man has passed from here to there but you and your family have so many memories to comfort you.
    Be it said- Be not sad he died, be glad he lived!

    Al and Claudia

  58. So very sorry to hear of Eldons passing. He is a presence that will definately be missed in our community! I pray that you find comfort and peace during this sad time. I hope that you find joy in the memories, friends, family and acquaintances joining to celerate his life. Hugs for all of you!
    Bobbi

  59. Certainly one of the best I have ever known. The world is a better place because of Eldons time on this earth.He will be sorely missed.

  60. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoyed working with Eldon and he always took time to visit with you. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed.

  61. I ‘m so sorry about your lost , May God bless you and the family in time of sorrow.

  62. We so enjoyed the visits we had with Uncle Eldon. When the girls were little they called him the “harmonica man”. He was such a giving and caring man, and always took time to visit, tell a story, or play his harmonicas. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, we will so miss him.

  63. I hope to share memories someday down the road. Now you must go because you have a real important meeting to attend. When you meet him up there please put in a good word for me. I will miss you. Thanks for all the things you taught me over the years.

  64. Velma I am sorry for your loss. Eldon was a great community minded man. I know Rosebud and Rosebud County will sure miss him.

  65. Velma and family, so sorry for your loss. Eldon was a great guy and will be sorely missed in Rosebud County.

  66. My prayers are with you all at this time. I met Eldon in 1965 when came to Montana to work for the Extension Service. He was a special person. I worked in Miles City until I left Montana and moved back to MS. Better times are around the corner.

  68. I will always remember Eldon as our county extension agent. When I was in 4H , I went on lotsa field trips on horseback which Eldon always supervised. He taught us a lot & we had fun learning. He was a leader respect by all.Rest in peace Eldon. May your memories live on in the people u touch. I know I have some.

  69. Velma, I just read of Eldon’s passing I am so sorry. Hold your memories close and he wont be far away. Hugs. I will be in touch.

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