Bonnie Mae Rice

Bonnie Mae Rice, a devoted servant of the Lord, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on January 5, 2026. A woman of unwavering faith and boundless compassion, Bonnie lived a life that was a testament to God’s love.

Bonnie’s greatest legacy was her heart for service. Her faith wasn’t just a belief, but an action; she traveled the globe to share the Gospel and witness miracles firsthand. From her first mission trip to Guatemala to her numerous journeys to Fortaleza, Brazil, Bonnie offered her testimony at churches and rehab centers, ministered SOZO, and served as a nurturing mother figure to translators and teammates alike. She also stood as a Lead Speaker at a major Women’s Conference in Uganda, Africa. Whether she was praying for strangers in distant lands or for neighbors at home, Bonnie was a vessel for Christ, always eager to share the miracles she had seen with her own eyes.

As a mother, Bonnie was a fierce and protective force for her children, Krystena, Joshua, and Joseph. She dedicated herself to ensuring they always had everything they needed—and most of what they wanted—stopping at nothing to provide for them. She was their greatest champion, frequently bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen, often to her children’s affectionate embarrassment. Her love was a shield and a constant support that they will continue to carry throughout their lives.

At home, Bonnie’s door was always open. As a foster parent, she cared for many children over the years, maintaining lifelong bonds with them long after they left her home. To her children’s friends, she was a second mother who ensured everyone was well-fed and, in true Bonnie fashion, well-integrated into the family chore list.

Family was the cornerstone of Bonnie’s life. She shared 56 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Stephen, who lovingly began her every morning by bringing her a cup of tea. Together, they made lasting memories camping at Carlsbad, San Elijo, and the desert. Bonnie had a flair for adventure, which she shared with her husband, children, and sister. Her travels took her across the Middle East to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan; across the Atlantic to explore London and Paris; to New York to visit her son; and for a family trip to Hawaii.

She was a loving grandmother who delighted in spoiling her grandsons, Nicholas ("Honey Bunny") and Jaxon ("Sweetie Petey"), especially during their competitive games of Mexican Train Dominoes. She remained deeply close to her siblings and their children, anchored by the belief that family was of the utmost importance.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Stephen; her daughter, Krystena and son-in-law Lee; her son, Joshua and daughter-in-law Lisa; her son, Joseph; her grandsons, Nicholas and Jaxon; and her sister, Susan.

While her loss is felt deeply by all who knew her, her family finds peace in knowing she is resting in the arms of the Lord. She has finished her race, she has kept the faith, and her impact on the hearts and minds of people across the globe will never be forgotten.