Alda Maxine Rick

Alda “Babe & Gma” M. Rick of Hutto, Texas, and former 49-year resident of Vassar, Michigan, went peacefully home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday the 22nd of March, at her home. Alda, age 95, was born in 1921 to Nelle (Halsey) and Earl A. Townsend in Lebanon, Nebraska. She was one of four children, all of whom have preceded her in death. Alda was known fondly by nick-name of “Babe” by those who knew her well. Later she was known as “G-ma” by her grands and greats and their friends.

Alda married Walter E. Rick on June 15, 1945 in McCook, (McCook Air Field) Nebraska. Alda said Walt took her to the tall trees of Michigan where they resided in Vassar, Michigan for 49 years, until his death in 1994. She had 3 children, Diana Kay (Rick) Hart, Karen Jean Rick whom both have predeceased her, and Susan M. Rick-Margeson of Hutto, Texas, whom survives her, and a nephew, Matthew C. Rick of Saginaw, Michigan, whom she and Walter considered a son.

Alda was a member of the “Greatest Generation” and was a “Rosie the Riveter”. Alda worked as a riveter on engine mounts and wings for B-17 (Flying Fortress), B-24 (Liberator) and B-29 (Super Fortress) during World War II at the McCook Air Field where she met her love, Walter. She was inducted into the American Rosie Riveter Association on December 25, 2016. She was so proud to be finally recognized by her country for her contribution to the war effort between the years of 1943-1945. “We were charged with the war effort to help get the war over and get the boys home.” She toted her effort with pride to the last day, “we can do it.”

Alda is survived by Stephen L. Hart, son-in-law, Cedar Park, Texas; four granddaughters, Kristin S. (Hart) Dike (husband, Lynn A. Dike, deceased) of Cedar Park, Texas, Karrin D. (Hart) Franco (husband, Christopher Franco) of Liberty Hill, Texas, Dana R. (Hart) Olson (husband, Aaron Olson) of Pflugerville, Texas, and Mandy M. (Margeson) Lenz (husband, Chad Lenz, deceased) of Round Rock, Texas; 4 great-grandchildren, Mindy (Dike) Brix, Jacob Dike, Elijah Olson and Tahlia Olson; sister-in-law Hilda C. Townsend of Fort Collins, Colorado, along with nephews and nieces residing in Michigan, Florida, Colorado, Kansas, and Saudi Arabia.

Alda traveled all 50 States and embraced the beauty of each through her love of photography. She best loved the out of the way places on the country back roads and the National Parks and Forests. She was an artist in jewelry, sewing (drawing and making her own patterns), and oil media. Alda painted pictures of the places she visited and captured through her photos. Alda had a passion for color. She would take colors and commit them to canvas, jewelry, and clothes. She loved watching the sun rise and set, watching the clouds and the formations they would create. She was a quiet but a feisty soul with a strong personality, she loved her family in a silent nature.

Alda’s family want to extend their heartful gratitude to the entire Carrillo family for the love and companionship they shared with Alda. She loved them as family and her life was greatly enhanced because of their friendships. Many thanks also to Shelli (O’Neal) Robinson, Letishia Bailey, and Leir’dre Henton for the impacts they had in Alda’s life.

The family invites those that knew Alda to join them for memorial services on Friday, March 31st at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3505 Main, Taylor, Texas. Services will be followed by a celebration of life for her family and friends. Alda will ultimately be laid to rest with her Walter and Karen at Riverside Cemetery in Vassar, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylor, Texas or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.