Gary Lee Rice, 69, of Mitchell, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at Regional West Medical Center.

Gary was born in Scottsbluff on Oct. 14, 1946, to Floyd and Glada (Keyser) Rice. He lived in Custer County on a family ranch during his early years and began his education at a Bayard country school, finishing his education at Scottsbluff High School.

In 1969, Gary married Elaine Adams Broussard and became the father of Joseph Broussard.  As a family, they moved to Colorado where he worked as an electrician before returning to Mitchell and went to work for Great Western Sugar, for 43 years, until his retirement and illness set in. In that time, Gary purchased the Adams’ family homestead farm where he lived and worked with horses for over 25 years.

Gary is survived by his son, Joseph (Carrie) Broussard of Minatare; grandchildren Dustin Broussard (Justin Johnson), Dillon Broussard (Kaitlin Luikens), and Morgan Broussard; his sisters Myona Hall of Scottsbluff; Myrna (Jim) Smith of Pueblo, Colorado; Linda Kirby of Missouri; Aunt Roberta (Zac) Tobias of Custer County; sister-in-law Carol Rice; many nephews, nieces, cousins and special friend Sandra Stovall.

He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Glada Rice; brothers Jim (Renee) Rice, Jack Rice; brother-in-law Jim Hall; niece Rhonda Rice; and nephew Duane Rice.

Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel were in charge of arrangements. His funeral service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Gering Zion Church with Pastor John Adams officiating.  Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery. 

Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.   Memorials may be given to the family to be designated at a later date.