Corinne Ann Rice, loving wife, mother, grandmother and resident of Ord, Nebraska passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska, at the age of 68.
Corinne Ann Dillon Rice, born on July 4, 1958, in Fullerton, California, was the daughter of John A. II and Joyce (Hawthorne) Dillon. Her early years were spent in La Mirada, California, before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where she began her education. Returning to California to continue school in Orange County, Cory eventually moved with her family to the Sandhills of Nebraska, living on a ranch near Almeria. She distinguished herself there as an excellent cattle checker, a skill recognized by her mother. Cory graduated from Taylor High School in 1976.
On December 24, 1976, Corinne married the love of her life, Robert D. “Bob” Rice, in Ord, Nebraska. Together they raised their children, Thomas and Crystal, in Ord.
Cory’s career was in the retail industry, beginning in 1995 at the Grocery Kart. She later joined the Dollar Store and concluded at Speed’s Apple Market, where she retired in 2025 due to health concerns.
During her younger years, Cory enjoyed the Sandhills, horses, flowers and learned how to be an exceptional cook. Her artistic talents shone through as a gifted quilter, seamstress, and prize-winning ceramics painter. Among her fondest memories were moments spent with her children at Calamus and cherished motorcycle rides with Bob.
Survivors include her husband of nearly 50 years, Robert “Bob” of Ord; two children, Thomas Rice of Ord and Crystal Merrill of Kearney; three grandchildren, Elijah Merrill, Allison Merrill and Aubrey Rice; her mom, Joyce Dillon of Forks, Washington and two brothers and a sister-in-law, Andrew Dillon of Camino Island, Washington and Martin and Deborah Dillon of Forks, Washington.
She was preceded in death by her father and brother, John A. Dillon III.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Ord Memorial Chapel in Ord, Nebraska. Pastor Doug Olson will officiate. Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
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