Mary Louise Rickel SIMS

SIMS, Mary Louise Rickel beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died in her Oro Valley home at the age of 95 on November 4, 2016. Mary Louise was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Colonel William J. Sims, USMC Ret., and her sisters, Barbara Jean Lund and Margaret Ann Smith, both of Escondido, CA. Mary Louise was born in Flagstaff on November 25, 1920 to Joseph Rickel and Mary Hanley. Mary Lou spent her childhood in Flagstaff, on the Hopi Reservation in Oraibi, and in Oak Creek Canyon, all places where her mother taught. Mary Lou graduated from Flagstaff High School, Phoenix College and Mills College earning a degree in education. She worked briefly as a teacher before marrying in 1943. As a Marine aviator's wife, Mary Lou often joked that she moved 27 times in 30 years living in places like Brazil, Cherry Point, NC, Quantico, VA and many others. In 1968 Mary Lou and Bill moved to Yuma with their five children where Bill served as the Commanding Officer of MCAS Yuma before retiring after 33 years of military service. Mary Lou was a talented and devoted mother during three wars that often required her to raise her family alone; she is truly a member of the Greatest Generation. Mary Lou is survived by her five children and their families: Bill Sims, wife Terry, children William, Christopher, Jacqueline; Rick Sims, wife Paula, children Rebecca, Ryan, Scott; Mike Sims, wife Annette, children Angela, Rachel, Leslie; Mary Anita Sims and Bobbye Lou Sims, husband Tom Kingston, children Alec, Kyle, Will. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Richard Smith of Escondido, CA and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Mother Hanley Scholarship, NAU Foundation Fund #1456. Arrangements by MARANA MORTUARY.