Memorial services for Geraldine P. “Jerri” Ricks, 84, were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov.20 at the Cornerstone Methodist Church in Sulphur with Rev. Jim Shepherd officiating. She was born on August 10, 1940 to Cecil and Grace (Akin) Fennell in Pauls Valley. She passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Sulphur at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 7 days. Jerri grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from Capitol Hill High School. First and foremost, Jerri was a believer, having accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She served the Lord faithfully throughout her life. She enjoyed many summers at Falls Creek as a youth and took great pride in winning many “sword drill” contests throughout her teenage years. She met her husband, Ron, on a blind date while living in Oklahoma City. The just knew immediately they were made for each other and were married just six weeks after their first date. On November 26, they would have been married for 55 years. After moving to the Sulphur area, Jerri worked at the Oklahoma School for Deaf until her retirement. Jerri’s hobbies included reading, traveling, and making the best candy and deviled eggs you have ever eaten. She loved decorating for Christmas. Christmas Eves were “magical” at their house. The best way to probably describe it would be “joyful chaos.” Presents, Christmas boxes, wrapping paper and lots of excited kiddos filled the living room floor, and delicious food covered all the tables. She also loved making Easter a very special and fun time. She would collect loose change all year long to put into plastic eggs for the big “hunt” and she would not rest until the last penny in the last egg had been found. Such fun times and memories. She will be missed by her family every single day, but especially on holidays, which she did so well. Jerri is survived by her husband, Ronald Ricks; children, Rhonda Bilbrey, Terri Krag, and James Morris Ricks and wife Amanda; one brother, Melvin J. Fennell; 8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Pauline Morgan. Services were under the direction if DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.
