Betty Jean Mahkuk Rice, 86, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born April 4, 1939 at Mayetta, the daughter of Pete Matchie and Lucille Mahkuk.
Betty was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Native American Church.
She married Orville Rice in 1957. They were divorced and he preceded her in death.
Betty had first worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. After she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Washburn University, she worked in social services for Four Tribes of Kansas, then Prairie Band Potawatomi Social Services.
She was also preceded in death by two sons, Kevin Rice and Brad Rice, a daughter, Sylvia Johnson, an adopted daughter, Marilyn LaCour, four brothers, Denny Delge, Michael Delge, Pat Mahkuk and Walter Delge, Jr., and three sisters, Ilona Delge, Myra Matchie and Edwina Dickinson.
Survivors include a son, Chris Rice (Kristina), Nedrow, NY, two adopted sons, Wayne Jesseppe and Shon Jesseppe (Carol), all of Horton, a daughter, Shirley Mitchell (Tom), Oskaloosa, one brother, Roland Matchie, Holton, six sisters, Margaret Mahkuc, Mayetta, Eileen Delge and Marilyn Delge, both of Lawrence, Ione Childers, Perry, and Tutti Kerns and Hedy Noland, both of Holton, ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of many other grandchildren that she had a special relationship with.
Supper and wake services will be Sunday evening, March 15th at the Nozhackum Hall. Burial will be Monday afternoon in Mahkuk Cemetery. Calling hours for Betty will be from Noon until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt.
