Honoring Loved Ones with Dignity

Rice Funeral Service has been serving Rogers County and surrounding areas since 1945.

By: Cassie Woods | Category: Professional Services | Issue: May 2013

Kenny DeLozier and Gina Wilson of Rice Funeral Service.

For those who are left behind, a funeral provides an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one -- a chance to say goodbye. The ceremony often becomes the focal point from which the healing process can begin. Rice Funeral Service in Claremore has been providing that opportunity to families of Rogers County for nearly 70 years.

Rice Funeral Service was established in 1945 by Thornton “T.G.” and Opal Rice. Several years later, the business changed ownership and eventually Kathy Dopp became the sole owner and funeral director in charge. In 1995, under Dopp’s direction, Rice Funeral Service expanded and relocated the funeral home to the 7,500-square-foot facility at 631 E. Will Rogers Blvd.

Dopp’s vision for the facility is for it to be “a place for the community to come and be comfortable and be served.” That legacy of service to the community and commitment to excellence is carried out by every staff member.

“Because we recognize the trust that families place in their funeral home choice, the heritage and tradition of Rice Funeral Service is very important to me,” said Dopp. “That’s why we strive to staff the funeral home with a dedicated and compassionate team of people who believe providing funeral service is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

In addition to Dopp, the seven-person staff includes Managing Director Kenny DeLozier, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the funeral home, DeLozier’s daughter Haley, who serves as funeral assistant, Funeral Director Allen McElwain, Funeral Director and Embalmer Jason Rouk, Public Relations Director and Prearrangement Advisor Gina Wilson and Prearrangement Advisor Chandra Krafft.

Kenny DeLozier is a Claremore native who joined Rice in 2008 after having operated his own businesses for many years. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business management from Northeastern State University and also graduated from Amarillo College’s Mortuary Science Program last June. DeLozier carries out Dopp’s vision for service every day. “My favorite part of the job is helping the families we serve. I really see it as a ministry,” DeLozier said. “I feel that way because after their loss, we’re the very first people they see. We’re also the last people with them after the services are completed. We’re with them through the whole process, caring for each family as if they were our own.”

Haley DeLozier became a part of the Rice Funeral Service staff in March of 2010. She is a 2009 graduate of Chelsea High School and a recent graduate from the same Amarillo College program as her father. She is also 30 hours away from earning her funeral director and embalmer licenses.

Funeral Director Allen McElwain is also originally from Claremore and began working at Rice in 1999, while attending the University of Central Oklahoma full time. He received his bachelor of science degree in funeral service in 2001.

Jason Rouk graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Science before becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and was a certified golf course superintendent for 18 years.

Gina Wilson has been a part of the Claremore community for 32 years, but is the newest addition to the Rice Funeral Service staff. Prior to serving as the funeral home’s director of public relations she worked in the financial industry for 26 years.

Chandra Krafft came to Rice in June of 2012 after spending 10 years working in the insurance and financial industry. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University.

Rice Funeral Service has a long legacy of providing high-quality service to the community. The entire staff pledges to continue to honor loved ones with dignity and respect.