Debra Diane "Deb" Rice

Debra Diane Rice of rural Tioga passed away peacefully at Tioga Long Term Care on November 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Deb was born to Donald and Lois (Fixmer) Raines on April 29, 1947, in Remer MN. She was the third of four children; Sharon, Donny, and John. From Remer the family moved to Yantis, Texas and then on to Cantonment, Florida. The family then moved to Washington.

Deb met Kevin Watterud in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and married in 1979. They moved to Larson, ND in 1981. From this union came Deb's greatest blessing, Jon Isaac Watterud on September 14th 1987. Deb and Jon lived throughout Jon's childhood and adolescence in Larson where many of Deb's talents and passions were passed down to Jon.

Deb met the love of her life, Keith Rice, in 2002. Keith and Deb were united in marriage on November 26th 2004, at Norman Lutheran Church, Tioga ND. Keith and Deb resided on the Rice family farm in rural Tioga, ND. From this union, Deb gained five step-sons, four daughter-in-laws, 17 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, who became a very special part of her life.

Deb had various occupations throughout her life, and was never afraid of hard work. Some of her favorite jobs included dog grooming and upholstery. Deb also worked for SGS grains out of Crosby and Williston.

Deb enjoyed telling stories of her jobs, hobbies, talents and travels. Some of Deb's favorite hobbies included woodworking and building. She had a vision for crafting beautiful and unique things. She greatly enjoyed bringing beauty to her yard, building ponds and planting trees. Deb had a special love for animals. She cared very much for her pets including her dogs, cats and horses.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Don; Sister Sharon; brother-in-law Jackie Sewell; Mother and Father in-law, Bud and Marian Rice; numerous aunts and uncles.

Deb is survived by; her husband, Keith; son, Jon (Bucky) Watterud; brother John (Sandy) Raines, sister-in-law, Anita Raines; Stepsons Rikki (Sarah) Rice, Bobby (Tami) Rice, Jason (Danett) Rice, Trevor (Brittany) Rice, and Brett Rice. Grandchildren Paige (Jeb) Schafer, Logan (Briana) Aadnes, Leah Aadness, Cody, Kash, and Presley Rice, Zachary, Joseph (Jocci), Dawson (Sadie), Tyson Rice, Wyatt, Tucker, Lucas, and Brantley Rice, Tayton, Rylan, and Shaylee Rice. Great-grand children Wrenley and Wylder Schafer, Karter, Charlotte, Violatte, Murphy, Noah and Thomas Rice, and her faithful companions Bubba the dog and Annie the cat.