EVA ZAHONY RICE

September 18, 1937 - December 31, 2016

Eva Zahony Rice, 79 passed away December 31, 2016 surrounded by her family and dogs. Graveside services will be 10:30am Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 W. 159th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter or Little Orchards Montessori of Stilwell, KS. Eva is survived by her greatest achievement (her family), daughters, Andrea Ponte, Kathy McNamara and husband Eddie; grandson, Michael Ponte; granddaughter, Samantha Eva and husband Ryan Koom; great grandchildren, Harvey Miklos, Leo Peter; sisters, Karakas Kati, Toth Ani; brothers, Vali Domonkos, Menich Istvan and her dogs, Csaba and Pajti. Eva was preceded in death by her son, Derek Miklos Zahony, husband, Dr. Ivan Zahony and husband, Claude L. Rice, ESQ. Eva loved and valued her children, her family and friends, here and abroad, and of course her Kutyak (dogs). She will be remembered and revered as our brave mother, wife and grandmother, who with her husband Ivan, escaped Hungary in 1956 during the Russian Occupation and Hungary Revolution. She risked her life for her family then and for our future now. She worked hard every day, in any way she could. She was smart, sophisticated and undeniably beautiful. Eva was a fearless world traveler and guide. She loved traveling to the farthest corners of the Earth and always back to Hungary (home) to create and share memories. She was a purveyor of knowledge and fine foods. Eva loved chestnut puree with fresh cream, liver pate, the signature manhattan up with two cherries. We will never forget your bootsie noodly, cream spinach, plum cakes, chicken paprika and dobos torte. Eva also enjoyed music, supporting the Arts and loved to dance. Her roots are deep and our family tree strong. WE LOVE YOU.