Lillian Rice

1927 - 2016

MAYSVILLE -Lillian Hixson Rice, 89, of Maysville, Ky. Died Wednesday morning, September 7, 2016 at the Kingsbrook Lifecare Center in Ashland, Ky. She was born January 25, 1927 to the late Emory Clifton and Mary Belle Powell Hixson in Georgetown, Ky. and is survived by her husband of 53 years, Roy D. Rice, a host of nephews and nieces and special friends, Oran C. Little, his wife Myrtle, and Charlie Borders and his wife Carol. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Lucy Friedly, Ruby Hixson, and Kathleen Parker; five brothers, Claude Hixson, Douglas Hixson, Elmer Hixson, Roy Hixson, and William Hixson. Lillian attended the Orangeburg Christian Church in Mason County, Ky. After graduating from Great Crossing High School in Scott County, Lillian attended the University of Kentucky where she earned a degree in Home Economics. She is known for her leadership abilities and accomplishments which impacted a countless number of lives. Perhaps her greatest accomplishments came during the 36 years in which she was the Mason County, Ky. home economic agent. Known for her precise planning of outstanding programs, dedication to the grass roots leaders, and willingness to mentor others, Lillian's leadership led the Mason County's homemakers program to becoming the largest in the state. Her skilled leadership and concern for others increased the membership from 255 to over 1,200 members. Lillian organized 23 cultural study tours visiting 49 of the 50 states and Canada. She initiated and helped organize the first driver training program at the community college, started the local recycling project, and organized the first leadership seminar for the homemaker's program. She worked with the Red Cross to establish Mason County's first health fair setup and aided the Keep America Beautiful Program, which won an award given by President Ronald Reagan. Her concern for women's health led her to obtain a $10,000 grant to establish the first mammography program in Mason County. In 1984, Lillian helped to initiate the Homemakers involvement with the UK ovarian Cancer Screening Program with her team raising over $105,000 in 11 years. She loved young people and was committed to help them succeed. As an agent, Lillian and the Mason County Homemakers gave over $100,000 to students attending universities and community colleges. Her contributions led to the Mason County Homemakers awarding her the Lillian Rice Leadership Scholarship to students attending college. Later, she would establish the Lillian Rice Literacy Scholarship given by the Mason County Adult Education and Literacy Council. Lillian, a strong supporter of the University of Kentucky, established a scholarship in the School of Human Environmental Sciences. After her retirement in 1996, Lillian not only did not slow down but she actually picked up the pace. She served as a volunteer in many roles including State Vice-President of the Legislative Research Commission for Aging, Board Member for Maysville Community and Technical College, Board Member and Secretary of Comprehend, Inc., President of Buffalo Trace Aging Advisory Council, Vice President of the Mason County Adult Education and Literacy Advisory Council, Public Policy Chairman of the American Association of University Women, Economic Development Committee, member of Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce, and Volunteer for Retired and Senior Citizen Volunteer Program (RSVP). In her spare time, Lillian loved to host a good party, be it at her home oor in later years, at Blue Licks State Park. Less than three months ago, she entertained nearly 100 of her closest friends at the Park. She not only made sure that everyone was well fed at her events, but she always sent each and every one home with at least one very nice gift. Lillian will be sadly missed by her friends and loved ones. Visitation will be held at Moore & Parker Funeral Home located at 303 E. Maple Leaf Road, Maysville, Ky. from 6-8pm on Friday, September 9 and her funeral at 11 am on Saturday, September 10 at the funeral home with Rev. Joe Bob Crider and Rev. Marty Voiers, Mayor of Flemingsburg conducting the services. Burial will be at Maysville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Office of Philanthropy, W.B. Sturgill Building, Lexington, Ky. 40506-0015. Pallbearers will be Gary Mac Mitchell, Wayne Cropper, John Rice, Ben Hixson, Garrett Stanfield, and Allen Pollitt.