Frances Sanders Rice

Frances Sanders Rice, 82, of Milam, Texas, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church in Milam, Texas. Officiating will be Brother Mike Teiman, Brother Wade Bryan, and Brother Lonnie Crawford.

Frances was born in Orange, Texas, on September 6, 1943. She was a devoted member of Bethany Baptist Church in Milam, Texas, and was well known for her unwavering faith and deep involvement in her church community. Frances took great pride in being a family prayer warrior, faithfully lifting up those she loved in prayer and offering comfort, encouragement, and support whenever it was needed.

Throughout her life, Frances demonstrated a steadfast commitment to her beliefs and a heartfelt compassion for others. Her support for Israel reflected the depth of her faith. She found great joy in visiting with others and was always eager to engage in meaningful conversations, sharing warmth, kindness, and genuine connection with everyone she met.

Frances had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She dearly loved her little dog, Ellie, who was rarely far from her side. Every night before bed, Frances would say a prayer with Ellie, a sweet moment they shared together. If by chance Frances ever forgot, Ellie would simply sit and stare at her, as if gently reminding her. Frances’s legacy of faith, love, and kindness will live on in the cherished memories of those fortunate enough to have known her.

One of Frances’s favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This verse beautifully reflects the way Frances lived her life and the values she held close to her heart.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Glen Rice; her sister, Frances Shirley; and her brothers, Vilas Sanders, Glendell Sanders, and David Sanders.

She is survived by her son, Dean Paul McClendon and wife, Sarah; her grandchildren, Chasani Williamson and Derrick McClendon; her great-grandchildren; her sister, Sandra Cuevas; her brothers, Marvin Sanders and wife, Patricia, and Kenneth Sanders; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.