Jane Joyce Rice

Jane Joyce Rice, long-time Sheridan County resident, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Jane was the daughter of John E. Rice, world renowned Polled Hereford breeder, rancher, and entrepreneur, and Ruth Geier Rice, Sheridan's first woman county commissioner and the guiding force behind the Rice Ranch (Wrench Ranch) for many years.

Born June 13, 1939, in Sheridan, Jane spent her early years on the family's ranch in Lodge Grass before moving to Sheridan in 1946 with her family's acquisition of the Wrench Ranch. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1956 and was elected the 1957 Sheridan Rodeo Queen. In 1957, Jane married Bill Woolston and together they raised their family at the Wrench Ranch. Under their management, the ranch produced multiple champion Polled Hereford cattle. Jane and her family also donated generously of their time to 4H and FFA, providing a venue for and sharing their expertise with the young agriculturalists. Jane subsequently turned the management of the ranch over to her eldest son, Billy Woolston, and went on to own and manage the Sheridan Shoe Company and The Cobbler. She was an active participant in the Downtown Sheridan Association and originator of the Christmas Stroll. Jane was also an active member and held leadership positions in the Sheridan County Cowbelles, Beta Sigma Phi, and the American Polled Hereford Association Pollettes.

Jane will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, and her generosity. She was a woman deeply rooted in her faith and a cherished member of the Bethesda Worship Center family, where she found great joy, comfort, and purpose in fellowship. In addition to these qualities, Jane's close family and friends will always remember her brilliant green thumb, her garden bursting with cosmos and brightly colored flowers, and her delicious baking that made everyone feel at home. Her chatty personality, energy, and huge heart filled every space she entered. She always wanted those around her to be comfortable and happy - and would do absolutely anything for anyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Patricia Lee Rice; her brother, Gary G. Rice; and her son, Jeffery Alan Woolston. She is survived by her son, Billy (Allison) Woolston; her daughter, Jill Woolston Flack; her beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Julia, Hastings, Colyer, Dallas, and Jesse; her adored great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Carter, and Jackson; along with many beloved cousins and nieces.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mike Kuzara for the care, companionship, and joy he brought to Jane in the final year of her life. Together Mike and Jane visited much of Sheridan and explored its history, revisiting places Jane had loved in the past, visiting new places, and attending a multitude of interesting events.

In her final days, Jane was lovingly surrounded by family and close friends, sharing stories, laughter, and tender moments that reflected a lifetime of deep connection. Even as her strength faded, her bright smile and unwavering faith never did. She remained steadfast in her trust in the Lord, peaceful and radiant until her last moments. Her family takes great comfort in knowing she left this world just as she lived - with grace, gratitude, and love.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 21 st, 2025, at Bethesda Worship Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sheridan County 4H or Sheridan County FFA.

The family invites friends to share memories and stories of Jane by email at juliaemoyers17@gmail.com.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.