Ronald James Rice

Ronald James Rice Sr. was born September 7, 1948 at Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Charles and Lyda (Riding In) Rice, and passed February 1, 2023. Ron attended Chilocco Indian School, and Graduated from Haskell in Lawrence, KS. He studied Autobody shop, and was active in football and wrestling.

He married Minnie Ruth Horsechief 9-3-74. Ron and Minnie made their home in Pawnee, Oklahoma where he worked as a general contractor. They raised three children together Ronnetta, Ron Jr. and Michelle. Ron was also blessed with 8 grandchildren, Sabryna, Karen, Emerald, Ron III, Leland, Charlie, Sadie and TC.

Ron was beloved by his family and friends, he was very patient with others and could always be seen joking around and smiling. His grandchildren loved him, and he was very active in there life’s, attending any sporting event or activity he could.

He was a proud Pawnee, and the last surviving grandson of William Riding In, who was the last descendant Bear Doctor.

Ron served his tribe as a member of the Pawnee business council, and also as Vice President, and President. More recently, he served as the Pitahawirata Band Chief. During his time on council he helped develop the Indian Health Service and Pawnee Nation College in Pawnee.

He is survived by his wife Minnie of the home, sister Charlene Rice of Topeka, Kansas. His daughter Ronnetta Wheeler and husband Mike of Norman, OK, Son Ron Jr. of Pawnee, daughter Michelle Reed and husband Mark of Edmond, Oklahoma. Grandchildren Sabryna, Karen, Emerald, Ron III, Leland, and Charlie Rice, and Sadie and T.C. Wheeler. As well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by grandparents paternal Joseph and Colombia (Robidoux)Rice, and maternal William and Virginia (Walkingbear) Riding In. His father Charles Robidoux Rice and mother Lida (Riding In) Rice. His brothers, Don, Norman, Mitchell, Melvin, and Joe Rice.