Judith Ann Rice

Judith (Roe) Rice passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, after a brief battle with cancer.

Judi was born on November 11, 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa to Melvin and Evelyn Roe. Judi graduated from East High School in 1963 and lived most of her life in the Ankeny area. She was a homemaker while raising her three children and then worked for the Ankeny Community School District in food service for 20 years. In 1978, Judi became an active member of Ankeny Baptist Church. Her faith in God defined who she was as a person. She always gave freely of her time and talents to her church, family and friends wherever there was a need.

Judi enjoyed attending her grandchildren's many activities as they were growing up. She had a great love for dogs and especially her dog, Chloe. Judi helped care for her aging parents and remained in her condo until the time of her death. Her community of friends in her condo association were like family to her. She loved spending time with them through Bible study, cheering on the Indiana Fever and many countless gatherings.

Left to honor Judi's memory are her children, Debbie Rice-Hurst (Dave), Shantell Howlett, Mike (Beth) Rice, many loving grandchildren, Austin (Madeline) Hurst, Jenni (Fred) Smith, Scott Hurst (Dana), Tanner Howlett (Clare), Karissa (Eliott) Rusch, Carson Rice (Halle), Kayla (Joe) Bertsch, Kalason (Ronnie) Brown, Kelsey Weier (Matt), two great grandchildren Baker Hurst and Eloise Brown, brother Raymond (Glenda) Roe and a sister-in-law, Pam Roe. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, brother Melvin Roe Jr, and son-in-law, Tim Howlett.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Ankeny Baptist Church or the ARL (Animal Rescue League of Iowa)