Kent Elden Rice

1948 - 2025

Kent Elden

Rice

1948-2025

- Kent Elden Rice, age 77, passed away on 12/12/2025 in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, after a short but courageous battle with a glioblastoma, an aggressive type of primary brain cancer.

Kent was born on August 21, 1948, and raised in Murray, Utah, where he attended Murray High School. He later attended Dixie Junior College before earning his degree from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. Becoming a pharmacist was more than a career for Kent - it was a calling that allowed him to care for people in a meaningful, personal way.

Kent proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Corpsman attached to the Marines, a role that reflected the courage and compassion he carried throughout his life. He spent many years as a pharmacy manager at Grand Central, Fred Meyer, and Smith's pharmacies. He was deeply respected by colleagues and patients alike. Kent genuinely cared about the people he served and took pride in helping others feel supported and understood. He also loved sharing his extensive knowledge with up-and-coming pharmacists, generously mentoring those early in their careers and encouraging them to lead with both kindness and humility.

Family was the center of Kent's life. He is survived by his wife, Christine Rice, with whom he shared a love of travel and many adventures together, especially to warm, sunny destinations and time spent near the beach and on the golf course. They were happy.

Kent was previously married to Eleana Marie Rice, who preceded him in death in 2002. Together, they built a family that remained a source of pride and joy in his life. Kent was a devoted father to his sons, Branden Rice (Amy) and Kristopher Rice (Mary), and always carried the memory of his son Korbet, who passed away as an infant. Kent was extremely close to his sons and he saw them often over the years. The relationship between the three was cherished by them all, and will never be forgotten. He felt equally connected to his daughter's in law.

He was also a devoted and fulfilling presence in the lives of his step-children Zander Allen, Keegan Allen (Greg), Remington Allen (Carly), and Doug Allen (Kami). Kent took pride in supporting and celebrating them as his own. These relationships reflected his love for family, connection, and simply being together.

Kent also found immense joy in being a grandfather to Kelsy (Lee), Kennedy (John), Kaleb, Hannah, and Kendall, cherishing the moments spent with them. His love for his family was steady and unconditional. Some of his happiest moments were spent golfing on Sundays with his sons - a tradition that meant more to him than the scorecard.

Kent is also survived by his brothers, John Rice (Gretchen) and Jeff Rice (Sherry). He was preceded in death by his parents, Walton and Mary Fern Rice, his late wife, Eleana Marie and his son Korbet Rice.

Outside of work and family, Kent enjoyed drawing and painting, working in the yard, a good glass of whiskey, and a strong cup of coffee - simple pleasures that made his life fulfilling.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and physicians at St. Mark's Hospital and Community Nursing Service (CNS) for their compassionate care and dedication to Kent's comfort in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kent's honor to Community Nursing Services, Catholic Relief Services, or Aging Care Alliance.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow the service.