Ricky Thomas Zehrung

Ricky Zehrung(64) of Fresno, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 29, 2023. Rick was predeceased by his mother Nita Zehrung, and his wife Vicki Zehrung. He is survived by his son Chad Zehrung, grandchild Claire Zehrung, father Tom Zehrung, and brother Billy Roupe.

Rick was born on May 19, 1959 in Merced to Nita and Tom Zehrung. Even with moving 20-something times during his childhood, he was always surrounded by friends and family. Rick would go on to graduate from Le Grand High School in 1977.

Rick was charming and worked his entire life in customer service, he loved talking to people and being a part of his community. You could always find Rick in the check stand at SaveMart ready to chat (or give a hug) to anyone. He couldn't go anywhere in town without someone recognizing him. During that time he met, fell in love with, and married Vicki Cottrell. After 30 years, and making some of his best memories, he retired from SaveMart.

Rick and Vicki would go on to have one child together, Chad Richard Zehrung. Rick was a devoted father and family man. He showed us the value of hard work, but never forgot to take the time to enjoy the luxuries in life. Some of his best times were family trips and nightly dinners together. He loved his family more than anything and decided to move to Fresno to stay close to them. His greatest joy was spending time with his only grandchild, Claire Emory Zehrung.

Though spending most of his time in the public eye, he was a private person that kept few close friends. His closest being: his lifelong best friend Randy Coker and his neighbor/travel companion D.D. Cox. Most nights you could find him with music playing, his friends around the table, and of course his favorite MGD in his hand. Rick enjoyed a quiet life, but loved the glitz and glamour of the casino and fancy hotels. He was always the life of the party, but his quiet mornings were very precious to him.

Family was everything to Rick. He worked long hours to provide for his family and even some of the neighborhood kids. He provided a place for everyone to feel welcomed. Coming home on his lunch hour to find a house full of kids and music equipment would annoy him, but he loved giving that safe space for them (as long as the furniture was put back before he got off work).

Rick was the best grandfather. He never wanted say no to Claire. From picking her up after school, to finding excuses to go shopping together, he just loved spending time with her whatever it was. He would brighten up at the sight of her exclaiming “That's my Girl!”.

With all the love that Rick had he was always willing to give more. He truly cared for everyone and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held at Stratford Evans funeral home in Merced, Ca on November 29, 2023 at 1:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Zehrung family.