Maredith May Rice

May "Runt" Rice, a woman of profound grace, touched every life she encountered with non-judgmental compassion and boundless love. Her life was anchored in her unwavering devotion to God, family, and friends.

Known lovingly as "Runt, she was a woman whose compassion shaped every life she touched. She embodied unconditional love, reflecting the truest promise of scripture: love is patient, love is kind. Her quiet strength, warmth, and kindness were enduring gifts to her family and to all who were blessed to know her. 

Born to Winfred Jim and Ethel Ray (Finley) Young, May grew up in Maple Springs, Arkansas. She learned the value of hard work alongside her siblings on a cotton farm and graduated from Oil Trough High School in the Class of 1964. She delighted in all things beautiful-flowers, jewelry, fashion, makeup, and her trademark hair- yet these earthly pleasures never defined her essence. May was grace personified, the kindest of souls with the purest of hearts. Her spirit was as expansive and radiant as the treasures she admired. Deeply grateful and keenly aware of her blessings, she made certain those she loved knew the depth of her appreciation. Throughout her life, she was a faithful and devoted member of Maple Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her first two children. With remarkable resilience, she welcomed two sons and devoted herself to raising them with strength and steadfast love. She later met and married the true love of her life, James Calvin Rice "Jim." Together, they embraced life with joy and passion, sharing countless cherished moments. They made their home in Mountain View, Arkansas, where May proudly owned and operated a shoe store on the town's main street. They delighted in dancing and hosting Bingo nights at the VFW. When Jim's health declined, his final gift to May was a home in Rosie, Arkansas, the place she had always held dear in her heart. It allowed her to return to the family she loved so deeply.

May was preceded in death by her parents, Winfred and Ethel Young; her beloved children, April Annett Hooper & Jimmy Michael Hooper; her devoted husband, Jim Rice; her siblings, Jimmy Randle Hooper & Carolyn Raye Hooper; her brother-in-law, Paul Wesley Fike: her nieces, Terrie Lynn Beasley and Shelley Elaine Fike.

She is survived by her loving sons; Jonathan Michael Hooper and Lewis Randle Hooper; her grandchildren; Steven Tyler Hooper, Lewis Randle Hooper (Hannah),Tyler Scott Hooper, and Corey Levi Hooper; her great-grandchildren; Joanna May Hooper and Kallie Grace Hooper; her brothers; Terry Neal Young and David Franklin Young (Barbara); her sisters; Patricia Elaine Fike and Gloria Francine Young; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends.

Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Maple Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Young, David Young, Michael Hooper, Randle Hooper, Hal Hooper, Tyler Hooper, Brad Hooper, Randy Hooper, Steven Young, Tyler S. Hooper, and Corey Hooper.