RAMONA DIANNE RICKARD

RAMONA DIANNE RICKARD

     Ramona Dianne Rickard, 81, passed away peacefully and went home to be with Jesus Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at Meadowbrook Black River Falls nursing home in Black River Falls, WI. Ramona was a great woman of faith, raising five children along with her husband, Jim, and partnering in their Christian ministry for over 50 years. She had a strong teaching gift and a passion for all to come into the goodness of God. Her heart was to reach the nations, and she did that with many mission trips, ministering to people in India, Africa, Dominican Republic and Europe. 

     While Ramona was a spiritual mom to many and relished her work in the ministry, she was most proud of her kids and grandkids, always supporting their gifts and talents and encouraging them to do great things. She was a creative woman in her own right with abilities in writing, drawing, painting, theater set design, costuming, cooking and interior design.

     For the last 20 years, Ramona and Jim made Black River Falls, WI, their home. She was a gracious host and frequently entertained family and ministry friends at their beautiful home on the Black River that she had lovingly remodeled and decorated.

     Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Lois Lang, Carl Lang (stepfather), and Robert Mottaz (father); and her siblings, Lois Strater, Robert Lang and Rose Johnson. 

     She is survived by her husband, James Harlowe Rickard; sisters Mary and Peggy Lang; and children Anita (Cesar) Rios, Suzy (Craig) Nelson, JD (Kelly) Rickard, Jennifer Rickard (Ben Dicks) and Amy (Dan) Monaghan. Her 11 grandchildren include Emma Rios, Sophie Rios, Nick Nelson, Lauren Craft, Bobby Nelson, Dylan Rickard, Zoe Rickard, Ada Rickard, Josef Lorenzo, Christina Lorenzo and Daniel Monaghan. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

     The funeral was held Monday, Dec. 11, at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 115 North 5th Street, in Black River Falls, WI. Burial and committal service was held at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls, WI. A recording will be available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ @brfelc

     A celebration of Ramona’s life will be planned for spring 2024 in Maplewood, MN, with details to follow early next year.

     “Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23