Lynda Mary Elaine Rice

It is with profound sadness we share the news of Lynda Mary Elaine Rice’s passing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.  Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on October 20, 1947, Lynda was the youngest child of Chester and Ethel Johnson and grew up surrounded by a large, loving family.  On February 27, 1970, she married the love of her life, Mervin Rice.  Together, they made Moose Jaw their permanent home and raised two daughters, Carla and Shauna.  

Lynda was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend and devoted her life to showing each of us how much we were loved.  Not only was Lynda the heart of her family, but she was also the Johnson matriarchal centre of this large family, and she thrived in her role.  She was selfless, gentle, sweet and fierce all rolled up in one.  

Lynda began her career as a hairdresser, working in Moose Jaw, Beachy, Coronach, and Flin Flon.  She took time away from work to raise their two daughters and later brought her hair styling talents back to Pioneer Lodge.  When allergies forced a career change, Lynda brought her warm personality to the Light House, Blackwoods, and JJ Samples, where she famously made fudge for local high school students who would pack the store to the doors everyday after school.  She concluded her working years at the Salvation Army Thrift Store before retiring in 1999.  

In retirement, Lynda found her ultimate calling as a grandmother.  She cherished being a daily caregiver to her first granddaughter, Samantha, and later showered endless love and camping adventures upon her younger granddaughters, Maylynn and Avalene.  She and Mervin also enjoyed traveling together throughout Canada, Mexico, Arizona, Florida, and the Dakotas.  

Lynda lost many people and she mourned their absence everyday: her parents, Chester and Ethel Johnson; her in-laws, Orval and Donalda Rice; sister, June Johnson; brothers: James, John Phillip, and Robert Johnson; beloved nieces, Kathy and Susan Duchak; sisters-in-law, Vi and Margaret Johnson; best friends, Bill and Mary-Rose Reid and “Uncle Rolly” Gaudreau.  

Those of us left to figure out a life without her: her devoted husband of 56 years, Mervin Rice; daughters, Carla (Craig) Matt and Shauna Pollock (Chantel McBride); grandchildren: Samantha Pollock (Hayden Elgren), Maylynn and Avalene Matt; brother, Keith Johnson (Wendy McLaren); sister in-law, Esther Johnson; Samantha’s father, Stephen Pollock; many beloved nieces/nephews and cousins.  On the Rice side of the family, she will be missed by her brothers and sisters-in-laws: Brian (Bev) Salamondra, Billy Salamondra, and Gary Salamondra (Jan Pazdzierski); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved very much.  

A Service to Celebrate Lynda’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Pastor Larry Hasmatali will officiate, and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery.  

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Chantel at Wintergreene Estates, the “Fabulous Five” (Rhondi, Maida, Brenda, Flores and Ritcheel) at West Park Crossing, and all the incredible caregivers at Pioneer Lodge for their exceptional, loving care.  

Lynda had a special bond with Pastor Stanley and the Mercy Outreach Ministries team in India.  As an expression of sympathy, please consider donating to Mercy Outreach Ministries through the Great Commission Foundation.  Mercy Outreach Ministries or The Great Commission Foundation, Mercy Outreach Ministries, Ministry #141, 32544 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC Y2T 4Y1.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Cara Ashworth, Funeral Director 306-693-4550