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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
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Donald Ricks Obituary
Bath - Donald Ricks of Bath, Michigan, passed away Friday August 7, 2020 after a brief stay with the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. He had been at home in the care of his loving wife Chris, and has struggled with painful, chronic, health issues for the past three years. His loving family was with him those final days.
Don was born April 30, 1939 to Edward and Margaret (Wacker) Ricks. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ricks and Margaret (Wacker) Halava; his daughter, Susan Ricks; and his stepson, Scott Gutting.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Christine Ricks; his children, Cynthia (Pam Young) Ricks, Edward (Gae Moffit) Ricks, Daniel (Elaine) Ricks, Todd Gutting, Elaine Smith, and Kim (Tom) Davis; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Neil (Nettie) Halava and Gail (David Gridley) Halava.
Don was someone who was always quick with a smile, lived larger than life, and had a positive impact on many people over the years as the owner of Don's Party Store in Bath, MI, and later Don's Party Store at Round Lake.
His incredible work ethic was only overshadowed by his fierce love for his family. For years he worked twelve or more hours a day seven days a week, only to sneak out to attend a sporting event, band concert, or school event for his children.
He was an incredible role model to his children and to the many wonderful people who worked with him at his stores over the years who he considered family.
The true measure of a person is in the number of lives they positively impacted, and we all look forward to the many humorous, caring, and giving stories to be shared.
The family asks that you remember him as fondly as we do while we plan a memorial celebration of life in the future when we can accommodate a large gathering. Online condolences may be expressed at www.grdewitt.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ricks
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Mr.and Mrs Patrick Hurst
August 12, 2020
Please except our condolences Don was a very kind person and we will miss him.
Mr.and Mrs Patrick Hurst Sr.
August 12, 2020
Don was a great friend and a gentle soul and as generous as the day is long my wife and I will miss him our condolences to his family.Pat and Carolyn Hurst.
Peggy Leiby
August 11, 2020
I remember Mr. Ricks....he always brought Dino, that huge green Sinclair Dinosaur to the Memorial Day parade!!! That had to be the Best part of those parades. I couldn't wait to see that dinosaur! We couldn't wait to see it come in to view! Jeff and Eric and I would jump up and down...gosh that was so much fun! Thank You Mr. Ricks for great childhood memories. My sincere sympathy to the Ricks family. God give you peace during this time.
Barry and Elaine Tarrant
August 11, 2020
What a great guy! So sorry for your loss. We dropped in unexpectedly a couple of years ago. Welcomed by Chris and a pleasant visit with both. Always easy to talk to. So many memories. RIP
Alice Jean & Wayne Loomis
August 11, 2020
Hi Chris, and the rest of the family, I was sorry to see of Don's passing I've know him all my life as we were Bath people from birth, please know he will be missed and try to take care of yourselves as he would want you too. Alice Jean Loomis
Bev Archer
August 11, 2020
Dear Chris and family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bev Archer
Alice Jean & Wayne Loomis
August 11, 2020
Hi Chris and the rest of the family, I was sorry to see of Don's passing I have known him all my life as we are both Bath people from birth, please know that he will be missed and be sure to take care of yourselves and no that we all care, Alice Jean Loomis
Alice Jean & Wayne Loomis
August 11, 2020
Hi Chris and the rest of the family, so sorry to hear of Don's passing, he was a great guy and I've known him all of my life as we are goth Bath people from birth, so please know that he will be missed and sure hope you can learn to be OK without him? take care of yourselves and stay well, Alice Jean Loomis
Hope Escojido
August 11, 2020
I remember going to Don's store many of time as a kid he always had a smile and the gas was worth the drive just to get the green stamps. R.I.P. gone but never forgotten. Hope Escojido
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