Born September 18, 1930 to Claude and May Grosshart in Blairstown, Missouri. She was raised in rural Missouri, and was joined by a brother, "Dale" five years later. Growing up she enjoyed spending much of her time with her cousins at her Grandma Hough's home and she was adored by her Grandma Lucy, as she was born on her birthday. .
She learned the value of good, hard work as a child and during her lifelong pursuits, she wore many hats. She lived and survived the struggles of the Great Depression, and experienced the surge of patriotism that accompanied the Second World War.
Claudine graduated high school from Shawnee Mission in 1948 and was married a year later to Richard K. Finley. This union was blessed with three children: Greg, Bob, and Vanessa.
Claudine enjoyed a diverse employment history during her lifetime, including work as a typesetter for the Kansas City Star newspaper and as a secretary at two local schools. She was also an avid family historian and ran a family history library. Her service as a temple worker in the Kansas City, Missouri Temple brought her great joy and satisfaction. She was always eager and happy to share her love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Claudine met her sweetie, Gordon Rice, through her employment at the Kansas City Star. When she became acquainted with his eight children, she fell in love with them, and not long after persuaded Gordon to get married. They were married on July 21, 1980, and she proudly claimed the title of "Mom" to eleven children!
Throughout her 92 years of life she has taught others to love by her example and has truly lived what she believed. It's her turn to rest now, enduring well to the end, what she has been called to endure.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die..."
She is preceded in death by her parents Claude and May Grosshart, brother- Dale Grosshart, sons- Greg Finley and Glen Rice, grandchildren- Aaron Finley, Brian Spence, and Chantayle Rice; great-grandchildren- Auston McLellan and Ashton Handy.
She is survived by husband Gordon B. Rice, nine children- Bob Finley, Vanessa Gentry, Julia Spence, Laura Rasa, Stephanie Wallace, Michelle Rice, Christine Sackett, Denise Rice, Stephen Rice, and their spouses, thirty eight grandchildren, eighty five great-grandchildren, and twenty one great great grandchildren.
A Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Foxwood Springs Living Center, Raymore, Missouri and may be sent in care of Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
