Freedus A. Rice age 89 of Billings, MT passed away February 23, 2025.
Freedus was born September 3rd, 1935 to Asa and Anna Witherspoon Rice. He joined two older brothers, Calvin and Nathan and grew up on the family ranch in the Espie community. His father nicknamed him Olle because he looked like a blonde swede.
He attended elementary school at the Kelly school house and went on to graduate from Powder River Country High School. He worked for several ranches around the county. He was drafted and spent 4 years in the Army. They sent him to Korea to help rebuild roads after the war. After getting out of the Army, he moved to Spokane, WA. where he ran a service station for several years. Later, he moved to Billings and that is where he made his home. He worked for Barry O’Leary construction as a truck driver until he retired. During this time he owned a Cessna 180 and would fly home to the family ranch to visit. It was always fun for the kids to watch Uncle Freedus come in for a landing in the pasture.
After retiring, Freedus and his best friend, Harold Barnhart, started a tree and firewood service around Billings. He enjoyed flying, fishing, and playing pool. He loved to meet and visit with anyone that came to Billings.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Calvin Rice and Nathan Rice and sister in-law, Signa Rice.
He is survived by his sister in-law, Janet Rice, nephews Allen Rice, Vern Rice (Ann), Rick Rice and niece, Kathy Pumroy (Tony) and numerous great nephews and niece.
Services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus, Montana. Interment will follow the service in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday May 15, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday May 15, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Sheri Gali says
I’m so sorry to hear of Freedus’s passing. He was a kind, gentle fellow. He will be missed. Thinking of you all and sending hugs your way.
Dan & Sheri
Shana rhodes says
I took care of freedus at primrose assisted living since 2019. It has been an honor and a privilege knowing him. He had a silly sense of humor even though he struggled he didn’t let his health get the better of him. He always told me he’s just getting old and feeble. Well freedus I know your no longer in pain and you lived a good life. You will be missed greatly
Carolyn E Hays says
Vern and Ann-knew this had to be a relative when I saw Rice and Broadus together. Sorry for your loss. Are you still in Broadus? Hope you are well. Peace and comfort to you and yours. Cooky
WAYNE OPPERUD says
WORKED WITH FREEDUS AT BARRY O’LEARY FOR YEARS. GREAT DRIVER AND A GREAT GUY!!
R I P FREEDUS.
Karoline Torah says
I miss his rice so very much
Darwyn Dasenko says
I attended high school with Freedus, he was rather small and studious. I saw him later at a class reunion and could not believe how tall he had become after high school.
Loren Williams says
i haven’t crossed paths with Freedus very often since we shared high school days in the 1950s. I’ve lived in Texas since 1975. So my memory of him is a bit dated but I bet he was the same until the end. Solid. Dependable. Courteous. Honest. Helpful. Sense of humor.
Goodbye for now, my friend Freedus.