Marilyn L. Rice

Marilyn L. Rice, BSN, RN, MPA, MAT, 76, of Freeport, IL, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025 in her home. She was born November 23, 1948 in Woodstock, IL, the daughter of Marion and Betty (Spencer) Smith. Marilyn’s professional activities included Registered Nurse-Commissioned Officer First Lieutenant in the United States Army Nurse Corps serving at Camp Kue in Okinawa treating war casualties followed by other assignments. She then went on to work in the Emergency Department at the University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago, and then City-Wide Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services-Medical Division, City of Chicago Fire Department. Marilyn then went on to be the Nursing Director and later Administrator of Director of Emergency Services at Foster G. McGaw Hospital of Loyola University in Maywood, IL. After moving to Freeport, she worked at Freeport Memorial Hospital from 1990-1992, where she held the position of Assistant Director in Inpatient Services and later Clinical Manager of Emergency Services. Marilyn was then President of the Emergency Nurses Association, Business Development Consultant at Emergency Services Medical Associates in Rolling Meadows, IL, New Business Development Representative at Sterling Health Care Group, a general health care consultant, and finally worked as a substitute teacher and substitute school nurse at Freeport and Monroe schools. On October 13, 1979 she married David Rice in Woodstock, IL. Marilyn’s memberships included the Emergency Nurses Association 1994 past President, Freeport VFW #998, Freeport AMVETS, and Sigma Theta Tau-International Nursing Honor Society.

She is survived by her husband David of Freeport, IL; brother Ken (Kristy) Smith of Crystal Lake, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, sister Maureen Spoerlein, and brother Larry Smith.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 7, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 303 S Galena Ave, Freeport, IL 61032, Pastor Jeff Greathouse officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at church. Burial with military honors will be the following day at 10:30 A.M. at McHenry County Memorial Park, Woodstock, IL. A memorial has been established for the All Veterans Memorial Park of Stephenson County and Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport.