Mildred Berneice Ricke

Mildred Berneice Ricke, 99, passed away on December 21, 2025, at her home in Granger. Mildred was born on November 29, 1926, on a farm near Granger to Clarence and Alta (Horton) Miller. It was there she learned early the values of hard work, faith, and family. She attended a country school as a young girl and later graduated from Granger High School. Mildred continued her education at Grinnell College and the University of Colorado.

On August 24,1947 she married Kelly Ricke, and the couple settled on the Granger family farm where they raised their children, and she worked alongside Kelly on the farm.

She had a deep love for her grandchildren and rarely missed an opportunity to attend their activities and events. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness, her steady encouragement, and especially for "Grandma Ricke's Cookies," which became a cherished family tradition.

A devoted member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Granger, Mildred loved attending church and living out her faith. She was known by all as a positive woman whose optimism and warmth left a lasting impression.

Left to cherish Mildred's memory are her daughters, Audrey (Randy) Chiri and Doralyn (Jerry) Moorehead; grandchildren: Brandon Bentson (Kari), Megan (Tyler) Barrick, Kelli Chiri, Scott (Jordan) Chiri, Tom (Kelly) Moorehead, Clark (Anne) Moorehead, and Michelle Moorehead; and her great grandchildren: Jaci Barrick, Jori Barrick, Jantz Barrick, Wacey Chiri, Statler Chiri, Kylee Bentson, Zoey Moorehead, Clay Moorehead, Josephine Moorehead, and Olivia Moorehead.

She was preceded by her parents, Clarence and Alta Miller; her husband, Kelly; daughter, Jan Bentson, grandson, Dustin Bentson; and her siblings, Fritz and Wilma.

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