Focha Black Ricks (aka Grandmother Ricks, Justin's mother's mother) passed away October 27, 2009. She has tried to attend every one of her grandchildren's weddings and has sent birthday and Christmas cash for years. When I was growing up in California, her and Grandfather Ricks were in our ward, Grandfather being our Bishop. I remember being very little, going to their home for Tithing Settlement and being served yummy homemade cookies, made by Grandmother. I didn't know at the time I would be marrying their grandson!
Grandmother Ricks has been in poor health for quite a few years. She attended our wedding AND wedding reception and walked without problem. She seemed in high spirits and with great memory. 3 years later we attended a Ricks family reunion and she was bed bound. She was giving her jewelry away and loosing some of her memory. We thought this might be one of the last times we saw her. Grandmother Ricks held on for another 6 years, and on October 27, 2009, she passed away.
Grandmother Ricks funeral was on October 31, 2009, in California where we were unable to attend. Silently, I made a promise to our family that I would do everything in my powers to make it to her funeral. THANKFULLY, I was able to hold true to my promise and attend her graveside service in Provo, Utah.
Early Monday, November 2, we piled into James' minivan and made the drive to Salt Lake City. GiGi and G.Pa live in Salt Lake, so, not only did we get to spend time with Justin's family, we were able to spend the night at GiGi and G.Pa's.
The cemetary Grandmother Ricks will be buried in was beautiful. It was nestled in a very beautiful neighborhood in Provo, Utah with the most gorgeous view. We arrived to the service about 45 minutes early which was wonderful to greet family!
Shortly after we arrived, Grandfather Ricks, Rosanne and Ray (Justin's aunt and uncle) and their spouses arrived. They were all in such high spirits.
James walking Grandfather Ricks to the Graveside service location prior to guests arriving
Sweet Grandfather Ricks (aka Artel Ricks) consoling everyone around him when HE was the one who probably needed the most consoling!
The beautiful view from the cemetary
Jordan, Justin's younger, very smart *single* brother! Anyone interested, leave a comment!!!
The son Grandmother and Grandfather Ricks lost. James died in a motorcycle accident two days before entering the mission field.
Grandmother Ricks grave placement (I believe this was a "make-shift" gravestone until the real one is complete!) Tian wanted this orange balloon attached to the gravestone SO badly!
Our family forgot to sign the book. I hope Justin signed it before we left!
This was Justin's first time being a Pall Bearer. He, his brother Jordan, uncle Don, and several cousins. Justin's older brother James watching in the distance.
James was asked to speak and did a nice job.
We were told maybe 50 would be in attendance, but there were actually 96!
The service was short and very heart felt. A luncheon held at Aunt Irene's home was served. Sweet Aunt Irene is nearly 100 and getting around her home without any problem. She even had a home video DVD playing of Grandfather and Grandmother Ricks. So thoughtful!
2 comments:
Rebecca, your comments and memories were beautiful!!!
She was a lovely lady!
She was such a support to her husband while he was our bishop. They would open up their home to everyone in the ward. And I got to stay their a whole summer while Derek was being taught.. They had a great swimming pool!
I lived next door to the Ricks on Morello Avenue many years growing up and wish more than anything I had known that she had passed. My sister and I have very fond memories of everyone in their family. Bishop Ricks performed the ceremonies for both my mother and fathers funeral ceremonies too. Does anyone know how I can get in contact with anyone in the Ricks family?
Carol Fletcher Myers
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