Mary Wood Ricker

Mary Eloise Wood Ricker (Mary Lou) born December 14, 1927, died January 6, 2025, age 97. She received her undergraduate degree from Denison University and a Masters of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Following her education she began teaching in the campus school at the State University of New York in Oswego, N.Y., then Madison, Nebraska. She was married to Warren J. Ricker for more than 50 years. They lived in Fanwood New Jersey for 18 years before relocating to Lighthouse Point Florida for more than 40 years, eventually to John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida.

They joined St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, where friends attended from All Saints in Scotch Plains, New Jersey their previous church. Mary Lou served two three-year terms as Senior Warden at St. Gregory’s. Executive Board Member for SE diocese of Fl, Stephens Ministry. She also served as Diocesan President of both the order of the Daughters of the King and the Episcopal Church Women (Dioceses of SE Florida, stretching from Jensen Beach to Key West, serving over 80 parishes). Outreach Ministries.

Marylou was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity, College Club of Scotch Plains Fanwood New Jersey, YMCA Board Member Scotch Plains NJ, and President and Board Member of St Lawrence Chapel serving the Homeless in Pompano Beach, Florida.

She was an avid needle pointer, bridge player and loved to travel the world. It brought her great joy to see family and friends during her travels, sharing experiences and time with loved ones. Toward the end of her life she lit up with photos shared from recent trips of her nieces and nephews, and cousins.

She is survived by sons Thomas (Frances) and Peter (Margie), and grandchildren Andrea, Ami, Stephanie (Robeson) and James (Holly) Ricker and great granddaughter Jemma Leigh Ricker.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025; 11am at St Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, Florida; with reception following. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Meals with Meaning, care of St Gregory’s 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432 (see link below).

Kraeer Funeral Home is honored to assist Mary's family in their time of need.