Marla (Molly) Annette Rice

Marla (Molly) Annette Rice was born June 27th, 1956, and passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on May 1st, 2023. She was taken too soon after a brief but valiant battle with two forms of cancer.

She is survived by three children and four grandchildren. However, she adopted a multitude of spiritual children along the years and is greatly missed by all.

Molly was many things in her life, but primarily an artist. In her final decade she often said her art would be the legacy she leaves behind. There will be a gallery show of her work this fall for the community to enjoy. In her final days she was an art teacher to junior high and high-school students in Colfax, but she always taught art throughout her life.

She was a founding member of "Our Town Gallery", and she also had two other businesses in town where she displayed her creativity. A Blue Moon was the name of her business in the Whitman Antique Mall, and she also opened "Town Marketplace" with a close friend. Molly was also a certified arborist and the city arborist for Colfax. She called herself a voice for the trees. She would read a special book to the second graders every year and then help them plant new trees in the park. Molly was also a healer and a spiritualist. A Reiki master. She had many students and clients in the community who she helped with her unique gifts. She called herself an Anam Cara. That is Celtic for friend of the soul. If you knew Molly you were blessed. She was one of a kind.

There will be a celebration of life held for Molly in Schmuck Park on June 25th at 2 p.m. There will be seating in the covered picnic area, but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own seating as well. Light refreshments will be offered after the service.