Mary Rickman

Mary Elizabeth Rickman, age 90, of Nixa, Missouri entered her eternal rest January 10, 2026. At the time of her passing she was a resident at Baptist Home, Ozark, Missouri.

Mary was born on October 5, 1935 in Hammond, Indiana to Charles and Bessie Ford. During her high school years at Hammond Technical High, she enjoyed playing trombone in the school band and singing harmony in musical settings. Following graduation, she attended Southwestern University in Waxahachie, Texas. While a student, Mary served as President of the Africa prayer group, was Secretary/Treasurer of the student council and sang in a women's vocal group. She was honored to be the student Baccalaureate speaker at her graduation.

At Southwestern, she met a young man by the name of James while in the cafeteria line. Time passed, the relationship grew, and she married James in August 1957. They were married 63 years and to this couple were born four children: Timothy, Cynthia, Melinda and Renee.

After leaving Southwestern, the couple embarked on a journey of pastoral ministry. They served as pastors to a number of churches in Ohio and Indiana. During this tenure, Mary also served in leadership roles with WM's (the Women's Ministry arm of the Assemblies of God Fellowship), Women's Aglow and Joy Fellowship.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lindon (Naomi) Ford, and her husband James Edker Rickman.

Survivors of the home include: her son, Timothy (Carol) Rickman, Republic, MO; daughters, Cindy (Jamie) Ott, Broken Arrow, OK; Melinda (James) Hestand, Harrisonville, MO; Renee (James) Morrison, Nixa, MO; sister, Delores Smith, Franklin, KY; grandchildren, Amanda (Blake) McGinnis, Andrew Rickman, Jeremy (Whitney) Ott, Amy (Patrick) Hestand-Callahan, Aaron (Sarah) Rickman, Nicholas (Amanda) Hestand, Nathan (Anna) Ott, Elizabeth (Antonio) DiLillo, Michael (Katie) Ott, Katryna (Charles) Wilhelm, Hannah Phillips, Nataleigh Phillips; 15 great grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren; nieces and nephews.