Barbara May Ricks

Barbara May Ricks of Northville passed away September 3rd 2013. Barb was 89. She was born June 5, 1924 in Jackson, MI. Barb was the daughter of the late Albert and Marion Johnson of Waterford. Barb was wife of the late James (Jack) Ricks of Northville. She was the sister of the late Phyllis Deckard of Waterford. Barb is the Mother of Suzanne Ricks of Northville and Kevin Ricks of Livonia. Barbara has five Grandchildren; Stephen, Kyle and Alec Ricks; Courtney and Leah Skowneski.

Barb had been ill most of the past year. Barb's husband Jack passed away in 2009 when they lived in South Lyon. Barb most recently moved to and resided in an assisted living senior apartment in Northville. Unfortunately, she fell in June and broke her elbow. She eventually succumbed to complications from the break.

Barbara was a wonderful wife. A true partnership existed between Barb and Jack Ricks. Their partnership lasted more than 61 years. They first met and played as children in Jackson in the early thirties. They went their separate ways as their families moved about. Many years later, they both attended Western Michigan University, where they met face-to-face again at a Football Game. They knew it was more than chance and they fell in love. They enjoyed doing many of the same things, they were avid bridge players throughout their married life. Their philosophy was: never go to bed mad.

Barb and Jack adopted Suzanne in 1957 and later Kevin in 1960. Their dreams of having children were finally fulfilled. They provided a healthy and loving home for children growing up in the turbulent '60s and '70s. Suzanne is raising two wonderful girls and maintains her career as a Medical Assistant. Kevin is raising three wonderful boys and maintains a career with Ford Motor Company.

Barbara was devoted to her religion. For more than 50 years, she was a registered member of the historic 1st Presbyterian Church in downtown Pontiac, MI She was often involved in youth groups first as a youth and later as an adult planner. Barb was a Preschool Teacher for more than 20 years at St. Stephens Co-Op Nursery near Bloomfield Hills where she influenced the development of many children in the area. She enjoyed being with children and seeing them develop over the school year.

Barb enjoyed traveling. For many years, they were members of the travel organization NOMADS. Always together, Barb and Jack traveled to many diverse and memorable destinations. When times were tough, Mom would get creative and keep it exciting by declaring we were going on a "Mystery Trip". Often just to break the monotony of a long hot summer, the trips were to simple (and free) destinations.

Barb and Jack were especially fond of the St. Clair River. In 1948 they spent their honeymoon at the St. Clair Inn. Later they would celebrate their 50th anniversary at the same Inn, this time, along with their children and grandchildren.

Barbara was a lifelong Tiger Fan, listening to the ball games on the radio or enjoying them on TV.

There will be a small service for Barbara at her church in South Lyon on Saturday September 21st 2013 at 11am.