Roy J Ricks

Roy J Ricks passed away at the age of 102 on December 30, 2024, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Roy was born on August 20, 1922, in Southard, Laclede County in Missouri to Edwin Jessie Ricks and Bertha Ellen Boren, who were married over 70 years. Roy had six siblings: Melvin, Velma, Floyd, Naomi, Martha and Henry (Nathan). Roy was the last of the living siblings. During Roy’s early years, his family moved from Missouri to Eastern Colorado, where they lived on a farm and worked hard to earn money during the Great Depression. During his young school years, Roy and his sister Martha rode John, the family’s one-eyed horse, over three miles to a one-room schoolhouse. Roy’s last year of schooling was the 8th grade because his help was needed on the family farm. Roy was a good and hard worker. He loved farming and said, “He was a farmer by heart and just an old farm boy.”

Roy joined the United States Navy on January 14, 1944. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and earned the rank of SF3C. After leaving the Navy he returned to Seibert, Colorado and worked for his dad and other farmers in the area. As farmers began to move away from Seibert, Roy found a new line of work in the oil fields. He worked for Pure Oil Company. This company later merged with Union Oil Company of California (UNOCAL). Roy built a successful career and was respected by everyone that worked with and for him. After 22 years, Roy retired from Union Oil Company of California on July 1, 1985 as a Plant Operator First Class. He moved from Moab, Utah to Mancos, Colorado to raise and sell cattle. He eventually sold the 170 acre ranch and moved to Fruita, Colorado and lived on 60 acre farm. He volunteered for several years at the Fruita Thrift Store and was instrumental in helping the store grow into what it is today. Roy decided to downsize, sold the 60 acres in Fruita and moved to a house in Grand Junction, Colorado where he lived for over 20 years.

Roy loved his family and friends and was known for being kind, helpful and generous. Always a good host, he would bake corn bread and upside down pineapple cake for his guests. He took great pride in his home, tending to his yard and garden over the years. He would watch and listen to the doves and other birds that visited his yard. Roy was extremely social and especially liked playing pinnacle, games and working on puzzles. He had an amazing memory and would often tell stories dating back several decades. Roy also enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Colorado Rockies.

Roy was smart, knowledgeable and stayed informed on local and world news. He cared deeply about his community, family and friends. Above all else, Roy was a proud Democrat and Patriotic American who loved the United States of America.

Roy is survived by family and loving friends.

Services will be held for Roy on May 30, 2025, 3:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81501.