Barbara Lee Rice (King), 84, of Union, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 17, 2022.

Barbara, daughter of Lewis Hubert King and wife Edith May (O'Bannon), was born February 8, 1938, in Fredericktown.

She was united in marriage to Robert Earl "Bob" Rice on November 3, 1955, in Fredericktown.

Barbara was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Union.

She was employed as a secretary at various schools in the Union R-XI school district for over 30 years before her retirement, as well as working as an Avon representative for many years.

Barbara enjoyed playing cards with her family and many friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed visiting casinos, doing crafts, sewing and making many beautiful quilts.

Barbara had a love for hot air balloons, taking her first of two rides as a present for her 50th birthday. She loved attending balloon glows throughout the country and is fondly remembered for her colorful hot air balloon decorations in her offices at Union R-XI and her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Rice; her parents, Lewis and Edith King; her son, Benjie Rice; two brothers, Allen King and Oscar King.

Barbara is survived by two sisters, Roma Ward of Fredericktown and Hilda Reagan of Fredericktown; her son, Barry Rice and wife Mindy of North Ft. Meyers, Florida, her daughter, Benita Alexander and husband Michael of Union and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Rice of St.Clair; eleven grandchildren, Aaron Alexander of Oklahoma, Nathaniel Alexander of Kansas,  Jacob Rice of Sullivan, Jeremy Rice of Pacific, Jaydan Rice of Rosebud, Rachel Osseck of Union, Ashley Cameron of Nebraska, Tonya Gildehaus of St. Clair, Brianna Rice of St. Clair, Victoria Kemp of Florida and Bailey Smith of Florida; fifteen great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.