Signa Isabelle (Woods) Rice, age 86, of Broadus passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the Powder River Manor.
Signa was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on September 10, 1937, the daughter of Oscar Carl and Elvy Maria (Maak) Woods. Twelve years later a brother Bert arrived to the family. Signa grew up working beside her mother and father on the ranch between Whiteland ranger station and Home Creek Butte. She became an avid horsewoman and was very good at working cattle on horseback. Her mother Elvy was a Swedish born immigrant that came to America at age 2 weeks with her parents August and Ingaborg Maak. Her father Oscar Woods was a cowboy whose heritage traced back to the Mayflower.
Signa met Calvin Rice at a dance he was playing for at age 13 and it was love at first sight for her, they later started dating and were married a few weeks after her 18th birthday on September 19, 1955. To this union, two sons were born. Allen arrived in February of 1957 and Vernon in August of 1958.
Signa was a fair piano player in her younger years. She and Calvin liked to dance and play music. Life was tough back then and Signa and her sister-in-law Janet helped out by cleaning the Congregational Church. Later Signa sold Avon for a few years to help out with extra income. She also worked for O. Gorman’s and cleaned the IGA for around 20 years.
Signa was preceded in death by her husband Calvin, her parents Oscar and Elvy Woods, aunt and uncle Pete & Florence Gress, a uncle Carl Maak, daughter-in-law Nancy (Olson) Rice, brother-in-law Nathan Rice and cousin Rusty Maak. She is survived by her sons: Allen Rice and Vernon (Andrea) Rice; Grandchildren: Levi (Swan) Rice, Calvin L. rice, Ricky Lee Rice, Krissy Rice and Leonard (Misti) Rice; great grandchildren: Kaisley, Dominic and Vinnie; foster sister Janet (Nathan) Rice who was also a sister-in-law and her children Rick and Kathy; brother Bert (Helen) Woods and Berts children Laiben, Wade, Denver, O.C. and Rose; sister-in-law Lois Cullipher and family and her cousins: the Gress boys, Leo, Bob and Don Maak, Lee Fruit and family.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Saturday February 10, 2024
Powder River Congregational Church
309 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Saturday February 10, 2024
Powder River Congregational Church
309 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 10, 2024
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Saturday February 10, 2024
Powder River Congregational Church
309 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Saturday February 10, 2024
Powder River Congregational Church
309 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 10, 2024
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Gail Ivester says
Sympathy goes out to Rice family. Signa was a personal person . She never forgot you wherever she was. Always willing to give a hand at whatever. She will be missed.
Denice Hedges says
My sympathy goes out to the family. Signs was a true ranch wife .
Sharan Isaacs Clark says
Our families have been bonded together for several years now. They bought my grandparents (Joe and Frieda Porter) years ago. She was indeed a wonderful lady. Our condolences to the Rice family.
Sharan Isaacs Clark says
Our families have been bonded together for several years now. They bought my grandparents ranch (Joe and Frieda Porter) years ago. She was indeed a wonderful lady. Our condolences to the Rice family.
Skin and Betty Collins says
So very sorry Allen, Vernon and family
Signa will be missed by all her family. God has her now in his arms and no more pain.
Pam and Dave Nisley says
Our prayers for comfort and peace to all of you that mourn this huge loss!!
She left a positive mark on our community that will be remembered!!! Hugs to each one!
Robbin Stoddard says
Allen, Vernon, and all Signa’s family, please know that she was a treasure. She will be missed. Praying for your comfort during this sad time. Rest in God’s peace, Signa.
Ginger says
My first memories of Signa was seeing her putt up our gravel road on her way to work in that old red and white Ford pickup while we kids were walking to the bus, waving every time, and always with a smile on her face. In later years, our paths crossed again when we were both employed at the IGA; the place was never cleaner and the floors were never shinier after she and Calvin retired; and I miss her notes that she posted in the back room. Signa was a hard worker and will be missed in our community. She’s now putting up the road to Home to see her beloved Calvin. Peace and comfort to the family.
Patricia Houseman says
Bert and family members, sorry for your loss of Signa, prayers for all of you
Patsy Brey
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
Sorry Chrissy
Sharyn Wallace says
Signa was an angel in disguise, the sweetest, kindest, nicest lady that always had a smile when she saw you!
Carol Mellor Hanrahan says
My condolences to all of Signa’s family. She was a faithful employee for my parents at the IGA. She’d come in after the store closed, washing and waxing the floors. She always left notes in the back room that they enjoyed reading. May she rest in peace sitting at the Lord’s table.
Carol Hanrahan
Kurt Cadlo says
I just found out about your mothers death. I am so very sorry, she was an awesome lady. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.