In loving memory of

Ray Ricker
December 23, 1937 - October 25, 2013

Ray M. Ricker, 75, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, died Friday, October 25th, 2013, at Kennedy Hospital in Stratford, New Jersey.
Ray was born on December 23, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Herbert and Dorothy Gredell Ricker.
Ray married Betty J. Doss in 1961, in Keokuk, Iowa. In 1979 they moved to Clementon, New Jersey. He was employed with St. Louis Die Casting as a Die Castor. He served in the National Guard from 1962 through 1982.
He is survived by his wife Betty J. Ricker of Gloucester, New Jersey; two daughters, Shawn Iennaco of East Long Meadow, Massachusetts and her two sons, Christopher and Damian, and Amy Hennings of Winston Salem, North Carolina and her two sons, Dylan and Tyler.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jason T. Ricker; three brothers; and one sister.
A Celebration of his life will be at 1:00 PM Friday, November 1, 2013 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau with Rev. Larry Snider officiating. Burial will be at Keokuk National Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will precede the service at 11:00 AM Friday, November 1, 2013 at the funeral home.


Tributes

Pam Bauer wrote on Jan 21, 2015:

"Hi Betty and family members, Not receiving your annual greeting and having yours returned sent me on a journey..thank God for www. Love to all who suffered Ray's passing. My story to share is when the family was moving to Hazleton Pa. The children were young (school age). Betty was unable to come to closing and was detained. It took Ray and I close to 6 mo. to find the appropriate house for his family---he was living and already working in Hazleton. As their realtor and friend I registered Amy and Shawn in school on their first day of class in Hazleton. I appreciated their friendship over the years. They were kind and loving friends. I know this is late however I would appreciate connecting with Betty if at all possible. Many thanks. Love, Pam BauerPam"

Sara Chambers Heston wrote on Nov 1, 2013:

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Ray's passing. I grew up with Ray. Besides being cousins (or cuz as he would call me), we were in the same class in school, too. I have many fond memories of him. I love and miss him very much."

Judy Celania Stice wrote on Nov 1, 2013:

"I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Ray's passing.He was a good neighbor and storyteller!"

Martin L. Graber wrote on Nov 1, 2013:

"Please accept my condolences on the passing of Ray. I serve with him many years in the National Guard and can attest to his ability to motivate people and keep them up! Your family is in our prayers. Sincerely, Martin L. Graber"

Judy Roberts wrote on Nov 1, 2013:

"Betty, Shawn, Amy and family my condolence. He was a good friend to Ronnie. Still have fond memories of his yearly birthday party. Love, Judy, Jami, Deirdre and families."

Mona and John Haas wrote on Nov 1, 2013:

" Betty, Shawn and Amy, Was hopeing we would see you today at the services for Ray but won't be able to be there. We sure had some good times together. Will keep you in our prayers."

Bob Dougherty wrote on Oct 31, 2013:

"Betty and Family: So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Knew him and enjoyed his company back to Junior High School days through the National Guard days. I'm glad to see that he will rest in the National Cemetary."

Billy Powers wrote on Oct 31, 2013:

"I remember the fun times with Ray, Kenny Dains, Joe Coop and myself. As with Joe Ray also had a nickname for me. It was "Chubby". He was a great guy. "

Cynthia Jinkens Myers wrote on Oct 31, 2013:

"I was saddened to hear abaout the passing of Ray. My thoughts & prayers go out to Betty, Shawn, Amy and families. "

Jack and Susan Bauswell wrote on Oct 31, 2013:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ray's passing. Although we exchanged Christmas cards every year, we didn't see one another for many years, and I have often thought of him and Betty and his girls and the friendship we had. I remember many days and nights staying at Ray's Mom and Dad's house in Keokuk and watching Ray eat those hideous peanut butter and banana sandwiches for breakfast. I remember our trip to St. Louis with him and Kenny and Carly and Crick and Bax and others to see the Cardinals play. We had lots of "moments to remember" at the YMCA youth center and the "Red-Eyed Rats" shack. I consider Ray one of my best friends back in the day. He was always there to help, and he always had a joke, a smile, and a laugh. Ray will truly be missed by his friends, past and present. Susan and I send our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Betty and family. The Baus"

The Kendle's of NC wrote on Oct 31, 2013:

"I feel sure your love and memories will continue to comfort all who have known you for years to come. My prayers to the family. "

Peggy Murphy Cottman wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"Ray was one of those "one in a million". His laughter was contagious, his smile infectious. He left me with some good memories from school. Ray you will be missed by so many, but with the knowledge we will see you again....My condolences to Betty and his family..."

Carl & Bettie Rudd wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"Ray was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him. Although we had lost touch with Ray and Betty over the years, we always have a smile on our faces when we remember him. Many---many-- years ago, we vacationed with Ray and Betty in Myrtle Beach. I can't remember any vacation where I laughed until it actually hurt! That was the "power" of Ray Ricker! Our deepest sympathy to Betty and family."

Joe Coop wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"I remember Ray from my old neighborhood in Keokuk. He used to call me "bones" when we were in grade school(I was so skinny) and in High School he called me "sparrow" because I was still skinny. What a great guy. We had a lot of laughs together in the day. We all will miss this fine human being. Joe Coop"

DeJong - Greaves Celebration Of Life Centers wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"What a loss....I have lots of fond memories of uncle Ray. When I was young, little and skinny he always called me bone rack. He said if I stood sideways and stuck out my tongue I looked like a zipper. He was a big character and was always causing laughter. Those are great memories all together at dodies.....so sorry for your loss. What a guy...."

The North Carolina Denny's wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"You will be missed for a long time, but loved forever."

Janet Ricker Graham wrote on Oct 30, 2013:

"Such a sad day when I heard about Uncle Ray. I had lots of memories of him when I was growing up. Steve and I spent most of our days at Grandma Dode's because both of our parents worked. One day especially stands out was when I was in first grade and the family was together and wanted some A and W rootbeer to go with our homemade ice cream. So Ray and I went to get some. well someone hit us in the car and I hit the windshield and got a black eye. It was right in front of a church on main street so they took me inside there until I could be checked out. They didn't pay any attention to Ray to see if he was ok just me. The next day I had a really great black eye and had to do a safety sketch in class. I really looked the part with my black eye and all. Uncle Ray always wanted me to be tough so he constantly was having me try and beat up cousin Steve. lol......Uncle Ray had this HUGE fake spider on his wall in his room and he would chase me around the house every chance he could with that stupid spider. And to this day I HATE SPIDERS>>>>> Uncle Ray I will miss you but I know you are up to your old tricks with dad and Uncle Herbie........."

Joyce Riter Grout wrote on Oct 29, 2013:

"I remember Ray's infectious smile and his laughter in high school. He was always happy it seemed. Some of the antics that were pulled with him around can't be printed. R.I.P. Ray and keep Heaven laughing. We know you are up there when we see all the twinkling, laughing stars. "

Don Romes wrote on Oct 29, 2013:

"What a great friend Ray was in High School and Junior College. He was loyal, nice, funny, and so much fun to be around. Remember his cars, The big Buick(Black Monster) and little pink and white Studebaker(the Easter egg), I will miss Ray at reunion,s. Who am I going to play golf with at reunions now. Betty and family, you have my deepest sympathy. God Bless"

Harold Hoeferle wrote on Oct 29, 2013:

"Ray is a big part of my memories of high school days. He always had a smile and made you laugh with his jokes. We shared many laughs together and some crazy antics in those memories. We married girls from the same class. He was a good hearted friend that will be missed so much by so many. We send our heartfelt sympathy to Betty and their girls."

Steve Ricker wrote on Oct 29, 2013:

"Certain people were meant to be in your life and Ray was one of those people. I always looked forward to seeing him at family get togethers. He was very fun and entertaining to be around. Always a laugh to be sure. I have so many fond memories of Ray: for instance making Doug and I dance with his BB gun or making us hold firecrackers in our hands when the went off. He was always generous to people and meant many things to so many people. He added a certain quality to everyone's life. To say he will be missed is an understatement! He was a unique person."

Helen Brown wrote on Oct 28, 2013:

"Ray was my neighbor across my driveway for many years. I love him and Betty. I missed them so much when they moved. He was always their when I needed someone to help out in odd situations. Lost contact when they moved, but always thought about them. Ray my friend you will be missed by lots of people "