Larry Ricks

Larry James Ricks 82, of Shelley Idaho, passed away November 23, 2023, at his home.  He was under the care of Hospice.

Larry was born January 20, 1941, in Idaho Falls Idaho, to Lawrence and Zola Ricks.  He grew up and attended school in Idaho Falls and graduated from Bonneville High School. Larry grew up working on a farm and was taught how to work hard.  He attended Bonneville High School where he played football, and the baritone in the band.

After graduating, he received a mission call to the London Mission where he faithfully served.  Upon returning, he attended BYU Provo for a year. Larry then transferred to Utah State University where he had the time of his life.  He was involved in the Institute of Religion and was also a member of a committee on campus whose job was to bring entertainment to perform at Utah State.  He often talked fondly about his time at Utah State and the impact that had on his life.

While visiting some girls with his roommate, Larry met a cute girl with big pink curlers in her hair and decided she was the one. On July 9, 1964, he married Mary Christensen in the Manti temple.  After he graduated from Utah State with a degree in Agronomy they moved to Rigby, Idaho and then to Shelley Idaho where he lived for the remainder of his life.  He worked for U.S. Steel and then decided he needed a change and went into insurance and financial planning.

They were blessed with 5 children, Kaye Lyn, Greg, Angie, Kathy and Matt. He spent his life actively supporting his kids in all their activities.  He loved to go camping and once a year would plan a family backpacking trip.

Growing a garden was something Larry was passionate about. He loved to start all his plants from seed and kept detailed notes on when to plant, the best seeds to use, the amount of fertilizer to use.   Several years ago, he completed all the requirements to get his Master Gardner Award.  This summer, with help from his sons Matt and Greg and son-in-law Brandon, he built a green house to put his tomatoes in. 

Larry also loved to fish.  Henry’s Lake was one of his favorite places to go fishing with friends and family and he was always trying to catch the big fish. In the winter, he would go ice fishing and always said how refreshing it was to be out in the cold.

In 2005, Mary was diagnosed with cancer.  Before she passed away, they were able to serve a mission in the Pocatello Idaho Mission as an office couple.  They enjoyed associating with the missionaries and other couples they worked with. Mary passed away on December 19, 2009.

While on a temple tour, Larry met Linda Williams.  They were married on June 21, 2014.  Right after they were married, they were called on a temple mission to Nauvoo, Illinois.  They served there for a year and enjoyed their mission very much.

Larry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He held many callings during his lifetime including Sunday School teacher, young men adviser, Bishop, a member of the Stake Presidency, high counselor, and temple worker. 

Larry is survived by his wife Linda, his five children Kaye Lyn Berrett (Darin) Idaho Falls, Greg (Karen) Shelley, Angie Wilding (Brandon) Meridian, Kathy Palfreyman (Matt) Bountiful Utah, Matt (Michelle) St. Louis Missouri, 23 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way.

Larry was preceded in death by wife, Mary, his parents, Lawrence and Zola Ricks, and a brother Wayne Ricks.

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