Willow Ann Rice was born in Denver, Colorado, at 2:08 a.m. on August 21, 2025, to her loving parents, Addison “Addy” (Kortes) and Taten Rice. She entered the world with incredible strength, born with a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital heart disease (CHD), and Hepatopulmonary fusion (HPF). Despite these challenges, Willow brought light, hope, and love to everyone who knew her. She completed her family alongside her big brother, Jax, who adored his “sissy” and cherished every moment with her.
For sixteen precious weeks, Willow fought bravely and showed a strength far beyond her years. She passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms, surrounded by her dad and family, wrapped in immeasurable love.
Willow is survived by her devoted parents, Addy and Taten, and the very best big brother, Jax. She is deeply loved by her maternal grandparents, Joyce (Williams) and Donnie Petty, and Lenny Kortes; her great-grandparents Sue Kortes and Noah Williams; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. This includes Casi Kortes and her children Braylon and Everlee; Daniel and Ivy King and their daughter Blake; Blayne and Lauren Kortes and their children Brody and Camryn; Brady and Heather Kortes; and Raymond and Stephanie Kortes and their daughters Zaelee and Zuri.
She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Jessica and Kevin Rice of Arkansas; uncles Landon, Gavin, and Lawson Rice (Arkansas); great-grandpa Dale Ashley; and great-grandmas Linda Utley and Cathy Shook.
Willow was welcomed into the loving arms of family who went before her: her great-great-grandma Juanita Bailey (2018); great-grandma Penny Williams (1985); great-grandpa Larry Rice and great-grandpa Sonny Kortes, who passed away on September 1, 2025 — just eleven days after Willow’s birth.
During her time at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, Willow was cared for by an extraordinary team of doctors and nurses who loved her as their own. Her family is forever grateful to Dr. Gien, Dr. Clyde, Beth, Jenny, Angie, and the many others who walked alongside Willow every step of the way. Their compassion, expertise, and devotion gave her the very best chance to fight and offered comfort to her family through the hardest days.
“God can’t have all the weeds, he needs flowers too.” Great Great Grandma Nita
You taught us what true strength and love looks like.
We will never stop missing you, sweet girl — our sunshine in the storm.
Until we meet again, our precious Willow.