Virginia Jean Ricker

Obituary Virginia Jean Ricker Virginia Jean Ricker, born 1922 at Tacoma General Hospital, passed November 11, 2005 surrounded by her family and friends in her home. "Ginny" was best known for her grace and style. She enjoyed life full of encouraging others and developing indelible relationships with the children she taught and the ladies she giggled with. As a child, she enjoyed playing violin and summer adventures on Vashon Island with her sister, Carolyn Montgomery and her cousin, Austin who visited from Oregon. Ginny created a life full of exciting stories by starting out as one of the first (and very few) young ladies to achieve the credential of Sea Scout. She even discovered her own piece of land in the San Juan Island area. Her parents set the example, and Ginny developed leadership skills as a member of the founding family of The Bethany Presbyterian Church. One of her most memorable activities was helping hold services for prisoners on McNeil Island. When on land, Ginny enjoyed spinning cartwheels and horseback riding in fashionable jodhpurs. Ginny was an adorable Tigeranna at Stadium High School, nominated by her sorority at Washington State College, Alpha Chi Omega, to be the sweetheart of Sigma Chi. She was also rumored to have sung with Paul Robeson and sold chocolate candy bars from her dormitory! Coming from a long line of teachers, her mother Ruth and her aunt Iva, Ginny graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1961 with a degree in Education. She contributed to the Tacoma community as an inspiring First Grade Teacher for the next 24 years. Ginny considered her devoted husband "Monsieur", Derrol Ricker and her sweet daughters Cindy and Debra Sue, her dearest blessings. In an effort to keep her social calendar full, she shared her gift for song by performing with the Washington School Mother Singers, planting with the Four Seasons Garden Club, and was an active member of the First Congregational Church. Most recently she enjoyed reading mystery books on the davenport, visiting family in Santa Fe and North Carolina, traveling in search of the perfect slice of pie, and keeping fit through aerobic swimming at the Eastside Community Pool. She leaves behind her dear sister, Carolyn Montgomery, her cherished sister-in-law, Patricia Bennatts, beloved daughters, Cindy Brown (Robert) and Debby Lara. Her grandchildren, Chrissy Beacham (Todd), Bobby Brown (Kelly), Porscha Lara and many beautiful cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be truly missed by all. And as a woman of high fashion would like, her memories will be shared through stories and giggles in a private gathering of one of the bridge clubs she faithfully attended for the past 50 years. Her family will gather privately to scatter Ginny's ashes over the Puget Sound serenaded by Scottish Bag Pipes. If wished, memorial gifts may be donated to the American Lung Association. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.