Mary Claudia Ricks

Mary Claudia Christensen Ricks, 66, of Shelley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and school teacher passed away peacefully at home December 19, 2009.   She was born on May 18, 1943 in Salina, Utah to Claud and Ora Christensen.

Mary grew up in Salina, Utah.  She was involved in many activities which included Jr. High President, Yearbook Editor, Miss North Sevier, Miss FFA, and Dairy Princess.  She sang with a trio and accompanied many groups on the piano.  Mary attended college at Utah State University graduating with a BA in Education and a minor in Music.   While attending college she met and fell in love with her sweetheart Larry Ricks.  They were married in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple on July 9, 1965.  They have five children.

Larry and Mary moved their family to Idaho where they eventually settled in Shelley. Mary was an attentive, loving mother who taught her children the values of life and work and encouraged them to strive for excellence in all of their endeavors.  Mary was an exceptional cook and is famous for her wonderful dinners and especially her homemade rolls, jams and pies.

Mary was very involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   She served as Stake Primary president, Ward Primary president, Young Women’s president, Relief Society president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society teacher, and music director.  She had a role in the Nauvoo pageant.  She also served a mission with her husband in the Pocatello, Idaho mission.

Mary loved music and took many opportunities to sing with local corrals and church choirs.   She had a role in an opera in Idaho Falls and was a member of the Idaho Falls Symphony Choral. She also enjoyed singing in her stake and ward choir.

She loved children and always enjoyed watching them learn.  She taught both first and second grade for 27 years in the Shelley School district. Mary also enjoyed backpacking with her family, planting flowers, and gardening.

She is survived by her husband Larry and her children:  Kaye Lyn (Darin) Berrett of Idaho Falls; Greg (Karen) Ricks of Chandler Arizona; Angela (Brandon) Wilding of Boise Idaho; Kathy (Matt) Palfreyman of Bountiful Utah; and Matt (Michelle) Ricks of St. Louis Missouri.   Mary and Larry have 21 grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her father, mother and two brothers Don and Stephen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday December 29, 2009 at the Shelley Stake Center, 325 E Locust.   The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 Monday evening at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W. Oak St. in Shelley and from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The burial will be held at the Ammon Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers please make donations to the LDS church Humanitarian Fund.