Freedus Rice Obituary

Freedus A. Rice age 89 of Billings, MT passed away February 23, 2025.
Freedus was born September 3rd, 1935 to Asa and Anna Witherspoon Rice. He joined two older brothers, Calvin and Nathan and grew up on the family ranch in the Espie community. His father nicknamed him Olle because he looked like a blonde swede.
He attended elementary school at the Kelly school house and went on to graduate from Powder River Country High School. He worked for several ranches around the county. He was drafted and spent 4 years in the Army. They sent him to Korea to help rebuild roads after the war. After getting out of the Army, he moved to Spokane, WA. where he ran a service station for several years. Later, he moved to Billings and that is where he made his home. He worked for Barry O'Leary construction as a truck driver until he retired. During this time he owned a Cessna 180 and would fly home to the family ranch to visit. It was always fun for the kids to watch Uncle Freedus come in for a landing in the pasture.
After retiring, Freedus and his best friend, Harold Barnhart, started a tree and firewood service around Billings. He enjoyed flying, fishing, and playing pool. He loved to meet and visit with anyone that came to Billings.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Calvin Rice and Nathan Rice and sister in-law, Signa Rice.
He is survived by his sister in-law, Janet Rice, nephews Allen Rice, Vern Rice (Ann), Rick Rice and niece, Kathy Pumroy (Tony) and numerous great nephews and niece.
Services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus, Montana. Interment will follow the service in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.