Sonya Lea Rice, 85, of Rockford, IL died March 19, 2023 in Rockford. She was born January 12, 1938 in Monticello, Iowa. Daughter of Carl and Mary (Postel) Morning. After graduating from Monticello High School, Sonya worked as a cosmetician at May's Drug Store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She met and fell in love with a Pharmacy Intern named Hal Rice. She married Harold "Hal" Rice on June 9, 1957 in Monticello, Iowa. Sonya and Hal loved to travel both domestically and abroad. Sonya loved gardening and canning. She was known for her black raspberry jelly and enjoyed giving away her canning endeavors. Sonya had the wonderful gifts of giving and hospitality. She was a member of Valley Covenant Church in Stillman Valley and helped start their Bread of Life Ministry which provided meals and groceries to families in need. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at OSF Hospital in the surgical waiting room. Sonya was on a bowling league for many years at Don Carter Lanes.

Sonya is well loved and will be missed by many including her five children, Tamika Morie, Teri (Gayle) Walk, Traci Reed, Toni (Brad) Koloch, and Hal Rice; 30 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; siblings Stanley "Buck" Morning, JoAnn McBain, and Carl "Buzz" (Nancy) Morning.

She is preceded in death by husband Hal; her parents; siblings Elizabeth DeWoody, Carleta Herzberger, and John Morning.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In her honor, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Cedarhurst of Rockford Senior Living Community.