Amy Christine Rice

Amy Christine Rice, 48, of Lamar, Missouri, peacefully entered the presence of her Savior on May 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Free from all earthly pain and suffering, Amy now rests in eternal joy, embraced by the God she served so faithfully.

Amy was born in Thornton, Colorado, to Cindy and Cliff Hazard. The family lived in the Denver area until Amy was nine years old, when they moved to Milford, Missouri. Amy graduated with the Lamar High School Class of 1995 and went on to attend Ozark Christian College in Joplin, nurturing her lifelong passion for ministry and service.

From an early age, Amy lived a life of tireless dedication to those around her. She began working at Lamarti’s in Lamar during high school, continuing there for many years. She later served as the youth minister at Clide Christian Church in Clide, Alberta, Canada. Amy’s heart for service extended into many restaurants over the years, including Denny’s, where she rose to manager, and East Side, where she met the love of her life, Scott Rice. Amy and Scott married on June 5, 2010, beginning a beautiful journey together.

Amy’s most cherished work was at Milford Christian Church, where she served for sixteen years as the Administrative Assistant — a title that only hinted at her true role as the glue that held the church together. She was the head cook, the beloved "Aunt Amy" to every child who passed through its doors, and a mentor and confidant to countless souls. Her life was centered around loving people deeply and intentionally, whether through a homemade cake, a coloring sheet for a child, a heartfelt prayer, or a warm word of encouragement.

Music was another vital part of Amy’s ministry; she blessed many through her involvement with the worship team, using her gifts to point others toward God. She was a faithful friend, a fierce prayer warrior, and a steady presence to everyone she encountered.

Even when faced with her final diagnosis, Amy’s heart remained fixed on God. She continued to praise Him, asking her community to support her family with the same fierce love she had always shown to others.

Amy is survived by her beloved husband, Scott; her parents, Cindy and Cliff Hazard; and her siblings Heather (Chad) Bayless, Christi (Dustin) Ragsdale, Erin (Jon) Forst, Anna (Austin) Johnson, Caddy (Caleb) Lovan, Jeremy Hazard, and Nathan Hazard. She is also survived by her loving in-laws, Donnie and Debbie Rice; sister-in-law Karry Rice; her cherished nieces and nephews Elorie (Blaine) Sharrock, Hunter (Laynie) Bayless, Laney Bayless, Tristin Hazard, Cloe Hazard, Audrey (Jacob) Witt, Skyler Ragsdale, Jaxson Forst, Kendall Hazard, Aniston Ragsdale, Tyson Forst, Evelyn Forst, Jaylin Lovan, Declan Lovan, Harper Lovan, Lincoln Johnson, Ches (Ilyn) Sheetz, and Dylan (Kassidy) Inman; and her great-nieces and nephews Ava, Isabella, Elijah, Elise, Allison, Lance, and Amelia.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents and her dear sister Becca Hazard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Scott Rice to assist with extensive medical bills and final expenses.

Amy Christine Rice’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.