Jane Rickards

Jane Anne Rickards, of Thousand Oaks, California, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 20, 2019, with her beloved family by her side. Jane was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1939, to Harry and Gretchen Martin, as the second of three children. Her family moved to southern California soon after the war, where they resided in Woodland Hills. She graduated from Reseda High School in 1957, and then pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Portland. She met her future husband Bob while he was attending USC, and they married in 1963 at St. Mel’s Catholic Church in Woodland Hills. They moved to Thousand Oaks in 1967, where they are one of the original owners in the Wildwood community. Jane was a devoted wife and mother of two daughters, Shannae and Jennifer. She was a dedicated volunteer in school classrooms, served as a Brownie troop leader, taught Sunday school, and served as the first female PTA President at Wildwood Elementary School. She also volunteered for numerous organizations including Senior Concerns, Hospice of the Conejo, Meals on Wheels, Tree of Life, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She also participated and served with her husband in the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club, Conejo Valley Days, the Wildwood Homeowners Association, and many other service groups. Over the years she enjoyed playing tennis and ping pong (she was known for her killer serve), watching old classic movies, participating in Community Bible Study, reading celebrity biographies, and despite her poor vision, reading the newspaper every day and clipping out stories of friends and family. She completely adored and was extremely proud of her three grandchildren, Brittney, Ashley, and Alex. She was known for her generosity, compassion, and kindness as well as her beauty, humility, and wit. She had a heart for those hurt and suffering, especially animals and children. She was known and loved by many, and she will be missed by all. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Bob Rickards, daughter and son in-law Shannae and Jim Anderson, daughter and son in-law Jennifer and John Nevandro, granddaughter Brittney and her husband Adam Flores, granddaughter Ashley Arnold, grandson Alex Chatoff, and sister Marilyn Maples. A celebratory mass will be held in her honor on June 27th at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks at 10:30 am. To support her care and concern for abused animals, please make a memorial contribution in her name at the organization below.