Irita M. (Morgensen) Rice

Irita M. Rice, age 82 of Red Oak, TX passed away November 11, 2025. She was born on September 30, 1943 in Lubbock, Texas to J.J. Morgenson and Zelene Butler. She grew up in West Texas and attended high school in Brownfield, TX. On New Year’s Eve in 1960 Irita met a young man who would forever change her world. After seeing the movie GI Blues, Elbert proposed to with a five-and-dime ring, they were married on June 16, 1961. With Elbert serving in the United States Navy, the young couple traveled extensively throughout his career, building a lifetime of memories together in places such as: Olathe, Kansas; Seattle, Washington; San Jose, California; Illinois; and Pennsylvania. In 1969 they welcomed their son Paul, completing their family. Later, they moved to Red Oak, TX attending the Ovilla Road Church of the Nazarene where Irita participated in their daycare program, and then later Lone Star Cowboy Church where Irita became fondly known as the church “donut lady”. She also served as a bus monitor for Red Oak ISD until she retired in 2020. A gifted creator at heart, Irita enjoyed ceramics from start to finish: pouring, firing, painting, and perfecting each piece. She loved crafting of every kind, spending time fishing, and doting on her little dogs, who were never far from her side. She and Elbert were known for their good-natured joking with one another, a testament to their enduring love and friendship throughout their 64 years together. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: J.J. and Zelene Morgenson; son Paul Rice and beloved canine companion Princess.

She is survived by her loving husband Elbert C. Rice; granddaughters: Samantha and Olivia; brothers: Jerry Morgenson and Ricky Morgenson; and canine companion Reba.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Lone Star Cowboy Church -Red Oak, Texas.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Lone Star Cowboy Church -Red Oak, Texas. Pastor Donnie Carpenter officiating.

Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery -Dallas, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irita M. (Morgensen) Rice, please visit our floral store.