Julie A. Rice

Julie A. (Connot) Rice, 50 of Grand Island, died Monday, March 10, 2014 at her home with family, following a brief illness.



Memorials services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the Chapel Apfel Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Rhodes officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family for a memorial fund in honor of Julie. Inurnment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Valentine, Nebraska at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.



Julie Annette Rice was born August 3, 1963 in Valentine, Nebraska the daughter of Leo William and Gertrude L. ( Meyers) Connot. She grew up on a ranch outside of Valentine. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1989 and a Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of the Rockies in 2013.



Julie married the love of her life and soul mate, Brian Rice on August 21, 2010 in Grand Island. Julie & Brian lived in Grand Island where she worked as an advocate for women and children and family skill building. She also lived in Lincoln for several years and Lawrence, KS for a short time.



Julie loved her pets, spending time with children, especially her nieces and nephews, camping, water skiing, snow skiing, collecting antiques and Barbie Dolls along with reading.



Those left to cherish her memories include her husband, Brian Rice of Grand Island, two step sons, Charles Rice of Lincoln and Andrew Rice of Grand Island, sisters, Diane (Bruce) Smith of Lenexa, KS, Myrna (Rich) Newman of Platte City, MO, brothers, Don (Martha) Connot of Omaha, Bill Connot of Lincoln, Dennis (Diane) Connot of Valentine, Ray Connot of Neligh, Jim Connot of Chapman, Brett (Audrey) Connot of Omaha, sister-in-law, Linda Connot of Valentine, 31 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces & nephews.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo & Gertrude Connot and brother, Gary Connot.