Tonya Rae Rice

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

Tonya Rae (Kik) Rice passed into eternal salvation on September 6, 2024. Rejoice with us for her release from earthly pain and suffering. She died at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan from complications of kidney disease. Tonya fought her battle as a fierce warrior with grace and dignity.

She was born September 14, 1974 in Jacksonville, North Carolina to David J. and Vicki (Bell) Kik. She graduated from Coloma Michigan High School in 1993. Tonya was a believer and her vision of Heaven was quite beautiful. She believed she would wake up with Jesus beside her and Paul (her fiancé) on the other side. She also saw herself with no pain or fatigue, being her grandson Mikey’s guardian angel. She also imagined herself sitting on a pier holding a fishing pole. She loved the water and was calmed by the sound of waves.

Tonya will be remembered for her loving compassionate personality. She befriended many lonely people. Her sense of humor entertained many. She loved music with a groove and she enjoyed it LOUD! She had a special affinity and love for snowmen and enjoyed people watching. Her greatest love and joy in life was her grandson, Mikey!

She leaves to cherish her memory, her parents, David and Vicki; her precious daughter, Opal Rae (Mike Vincent) Rice and her precious grandson, Michael James Vincent (Mikey) who lovingly called her “Grammy”; She is also survived by three siblings, Melissa (William) Haines, Kimberly(Jonathan) Morrison, and Jason Kik. She is also survived by her devoted Auntie, Lona (Jeffrey) Vogie along with many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The angels in Heaven are celebrating her arrival with joy and love. It comforts those that are left behind that her fiancé, Paul Pipkins; her Grandpa and Grandma Bell, Grandpa and Grandma Kik and Auntie’s, Margo and Marlene, all who predeceased her, greeted her and held her in their arms.

Organ donation has taken place.

A private family celebration will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to: The National Kidney Foundation (www. kidney.org)

Isaiah 60:22

“When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen”