Lou Ann Rice

Born as Lou Ann Wilkins on January 6, 1937. Lou Ann found her love for people at her first job when she was 3, waiting tables at the Wilkins Café in downtown Oklahoma City. Her mother began teaching her the notes on the piano at about that same time. Eventually, she took both classical and gospel lessons. She was able to read music but could also identify the intervals between notes orally, enabling her to play by ear. Beginning in her junior high years Lou Ann accompanied at the Molly O'Day School of Dance in downtown Oklahoma City at the Municipal Auditorium. Shortly thereafter, she started her own band and began playing professionally with Floyd Harman and His Range Riders. In college she majored in special education and taught two years. She always had a special place in her heart for those less fortunate. In 1969 Lou Ann married band leader, Floyd "Red" Rice. The talented team was soon able to quit their part-time jobs as real estate agents to play music full time. In 1986 they were Oklahoma Musicians of the Year. Lou Ann's schedule was always full, running from one performance to the next. She played for weddings, luncheons, and retirement homes. She was the organist for Church of the Savior and Casady School. Perhaps her favorite job was playing organ at the 89'er and Red Hawks baseball games. She had two daughters, Joni, (pronounced Johnnie) and Donna. She was a great mom. When Donna was put on the band as the bass player at the young age of 12, Lou Ann had great patience helping her keep her place in the music and teaching her on the fly! The support that she had for her daughters was endless and without judging. She attended the OU football games only to see the girls marching in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. When her daughter, Joni, passed she left behind a granddaughter for Lou Ann. Sara was only 18 months old. Lou Ann never shied away from taking care of her. She enjoyed Sara's comradery and playing duets with Sara on the piano. Lou Ann was always lighthearted and easy going. She was always sweet and always kind, except to her shower aide, Brenda, who was always sweet and always kind. Lou Ann learned to read by reading the funnies in the newspaper and was always sending them to her friends and loved ones. Her goal as a musician, as well as in life, was to bring peace and joy to all who were near. Proceeded in death by her parents, John and Bessie Wilkins, husband, Floyd 'Red' Rice, and daughter, Joni Chavez-Rice. Survived by her daughter Donna Rice-Johnson, son-in-law Matt Rice-Johnson and granddaughter Sara Ann Chavez-Rice. Graveside service 10:30, October 16 at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Reception following.