In Loving Memory
Mary Claudia Ricks
5/18/1943 - 12/19/2009





Mary Claudia Christensen Ricks, 66, of Shelley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and school teacher passed away peacefully at home December 19, 2009.   She was born on May 18, 1943 in Salina, Utah to Claud and Ora Christensen.

Mary grew up in Salina, Utah.  She was involved in many activities which included Jr. High President, Yearbook Editor, Miss North Sevier, Miss FFA, and Dairy Princess.  She sang with a trio and accompanied many groups on the piano.  Mary attended college at Utah State University graduating with a BA in Education and a minor in Music.   While attending college she met and fell in love with her sweetheart Larry Ricks.  They were married in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple on July 9, 1965.  They have five children.

Larry and Mary moved their family to Idaho where they eventually settled in Shelley. Mary was an attentive, loving mother who taught her children the values of life and work and encouraged them to strive for excellence in all of their endeavors.  Mary was an exceptional cook and is famous for her wonderful dinners and especially her homemade rolls, jams and pies.

Mary was very involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   She served as Stake Primary president, Ward Primary president, Young Women’s president, Relief Society president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society teacher, and music director.  She had a role in the Nauvoo pageant.  She also served a mission with her husband in the Pocatello, Idaho mission.

Mary loved music and took many opportunities to sing with local corrals and church choirs.   She had a role in an opera in Idaho Falls and was a member of the Idaho Falls Symphony Choral. She also enjoyed singing in her stake and ward choir.

She loved children and always enjoyed watching them learn.  She taught both first and second grade for 27 years in the Shelley School district. Mary also enjoyed backpacking with her family, planting flowers, and gardening.

She is survived by her husband Larry and her children:  Kaye Lyn (Darin) Berrett of Idaho Falls; Greg (Karen) Ricks of Chandler Arizona; Angela (Brandon) Wilding of Boise Idaho; Kathy (Matt) Palfreyman of Bountiful Utah; and Matt (Michelle) Ricks of St. Louis Missouri.   Mary and Larry have 21 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her father, mother and two brothers Don and Stephen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday December 29, 2009 at the Shelley Stake Center, 325 E Locust.   The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 Monday evening at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W. Oak St. in Shelley and from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The burial will be held at the Ammon Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers please make donations to the LDS church Humanitarian Fund.

Online Condolences
From: Douglas & Jane Palmer   Arvada CO
Relationship:  Lifetime Friend

Our most sincere condolences to your family. Mary lived an exemplary life of goodness and kindness. Her sweet and righteous legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren forever. We will miss her, but will always remember the wonderful memories of times shared together. We love you. Doug & Jane
Sent:  12/22/2009
From: Lynne Rowe   Sun City Ca
Relationship:  cousin.moms were sisters

When I think of Mary I see her, with her cat on her lap, riding her tricycle on her front sidewalk with her brother Stepehn watching from his cot on the front porch.Aunt Ora and Uncle Ted were so blessed to have Mary after their son Don died. After Stephen died, she was such a great comfort to them even as young as she was..She seemed to know how great their lost was and now great the joy she brought to them. She was kind, loving and cared about others from her childhood until her death..Oh dear sweet Mary how hard she fought to live and how much we did not want to lose her.. I will miss her and I loved her....Lynne
Sent:  12/23/2009
From: Charles & Elaine Tawzer   St George UT
Relationship:  Friend

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet wife Larry. We wish you and your family the Lord's peace during this time of mourning and know that you will receive His comfort. What a blessing to know of a surety His eternal plan.
Sent:  12/24/2009
From: Sue Ann Ricks   Salt Lake City State
Relationship:  Sister-in-law

Dear Larry and family, Our hearts are full of love for you all at this difficult time. We know how you must feel to be parted from your sweet wife, mother, and grandma. We loved her too, and will miss our precious associations with her. She was a great friend to all of us, and we will always treasure our memories of wonderful times together. Please know that you are in our prayers. We wish we could all be there with you. Love, Sue Ann, Becky and Gabe and family, Christine, Deborah, Rachelle and Nate, Tim and Brandi and families.
Sent:  12/25/2009
From: Teresa Smith   Dietrich Idaho
Relationship:  Family Friend

Dear Ricks Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of being in your home and loved Mary's cooking!!! In fact I think whenever Kathy would tell me her mom was fixing homemade pizza for dinner, I would invite myself!! I'd say, "Kathy, ask your mom if I can come over for dinner!" Haha...I loved her homemade pizza among many other things! What a blessing it is to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. What a wonderful reunion she's having on the other side! May you continue to feel the love and comfort of our Savior and Father in Heaven during this time in your lives and the days to come. I'm grateful for your friendship and the memories I have with your sweet family! I love you all!
Sent:  12/26/2009
From: Rozanne Bass   Clarksville Tennessee
Relationship:  Niece

Larry, KayeLyn, Greg, Angie, Kathy, and Matt: Over the past month, my thoughts have often turned to Mary, each of you, and your families. My heart has been full of sympathy and of sadness because I knew Aunt Mary only had a short time left on earth. My heart mourns the loss of such a wonderful aunt, mother, wife, grandma, and friend. Although I am filled with sadness right now, I am grateful to have so many wonderful memories to treasure of Aunt Mary. We had so many good times with your family over our growing up years. I have so many fond memories of family reunions, 50-mile hikes, holiday gatherings, mission farewells and homecomings. You all were a big part of my life! I am truly saddened that Eric and I and the kids will not be able to make it to the funeral. The distance is just too much. But, I wanted to let you know that I will be with you in spirit. Aunt Mary was a wonderful loving woman and will be greatly missed. I loved her, and I love each of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We will make a donation to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in lieu of flowers. Love, Rozanne, Eric, and family
Sent:  12/27/2009
From: Robert Hess   Shelley ID
Relationship:  Friend

Dear Larry and family, I was saddened to see that Mary had passed away. I didn't know her very well but Colleen always spoke highly of her. I know that you will miss her with all your heart . I truly know how you feel. My prayers are with you Bob Hess
Sent:  12/27/2009
From: Rachelle Jeppson   Highlands Ranch CO
Relationship:  Niece

My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. I so wish I could be there on Tuesday to express my love and appreciation for Mary and for the impact she has had in my life. She was a kind and loving aunt and I will miss her dearly. Love, Rachelle
Sent:  12/27/2009
From: Bill and Ruth Anne Alleman   Chubbuck Idaho
Relationship:  friends

What a privilege it was to serve with you and Mary in the Idaho Pocatello Mission. We dearly love both of you and appreciated the opportunity we had to feel of Mary's wonderful Spirit. She is truly an example to us and we think of the courage and strength she had through the many days of not feeling well. Her wonderful smile brightened our days and she reminded us to "not murmur." We pray for you, Larry and know you will find peace and comfort through the Holy Ghost.
Sent:  12/28/2009
From: Carolyn Rawson  
Relationship:  Friend

Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there in person, but I am in Texas with my family. Mary was my dear friend and I am so thankful we spent some time together a few weeks ago. I always admired her and appreciated her friendship. She was a lovely lady. The Gospel is so important in our lives. I send my love to all of you. Carolyn Rawson,
Sent:  12/28/2009
From: Rodger and Debbie Hampton   Rexburg Idaho
Relationship:  Friends

Our condolences to your family. We have always had a special place in our hearts for all of you and ask the Lord's peace to be with you at this time.
Sent:  12/28/2009
From: Val Judy   Shelley ID
Relationship:  Friend

Larry, I've been truly impressed by your courage and faith during your loss. May the Lord bless you with peace and every assurance now and always.
Sent:  12/28/2009
From: Travis Siems   Los Angeles CA
Relationship:  Friend

Larry, my condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry to hear of Mary's passing.
Sent:  12/29/2009
From: Richard DeMott   Idaho Falls Idaho
Relationship:  Friend

Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Sent:  1/2/2010
From: Cathy Fortenberry   Idaho Falls Idaho
Relationship:  Friend

I was so sorry to hear about Mary. I worked with her @ Goodsell. She was a kind & beautiful lady. I'm sorry that I was not able to make it to her funeral. We were in Mississippi for my brother-in-law's funeral. May you feel the Lord's comfort & strength during this time. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. God Bless. Cathy Fortenberry
Sent:  1/3/2010

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