Penny A. Rickard

Penny A. (Watters) Rickard, age 76, of Linden, sadly passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Dodgeville on August 6, 1948, to Catherine (Rule) and Richard Watters. Penny grew up in Mineral Point and graduated high school in 1966. A few years before graduation, she met Dennis "Denny" Rickard. The two would walk between Mineral Point and Linden to see each other and fell in love, eventually tying the knot on April 12, 1967 – forever, "Penny & Denny." Together, they spent 61 wonderful years creating a beautiful life and family, raising six children: Gary, Todd, Tammy, Kristy, Angela Sue, and Angie Rae.
Penny was a beloved long-time employee at Lands' End in Dodgeville. She spent eight years running the Linden Park House, where she became famous for her loaded nachos. Penny cherished Friday night dinners with Denny and enjoyed watching Wisconsin Badger games together. She loved shopping, researching genealogy, and attending craft fairs. Penny absolutely loved country music, especially artists like Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley! Over the years, she made countless memories attending concerts. Penny also enjoyed getting into mischief with her best friend and partner-in-crime, Sally Hartwig.
What truly defined Penny was her love for her family. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing a birthday, sporting event, or play. Penny made each holiday memorable with her famous lemonade and Special K bars, a tradition everyone loved!
Penny is survived by her husband, Dennis Rickard; her sister, Louan (Dave) McCollough of Arizona; and her brother, Kenneth Watters of Madison. Her children: Gary (Mindy) - Madison, Todd (Dawn) – Mineral Point, Tammy (Ron) Cullen - Linden, Kristy Rickard - Edmund, Angie Rickard - Linden, and Angie (Ben) Barrett - Belmont.
Grandchildren: Chase (Ying) Rickard, Tori Leeser, Miranda (Joe) Sutinen, Kraamer Rickard, Chloe Gwin, Allyson Cullen, Rhavenn Davis, Anna and Jason Gleichauf, Avery Barrett, Emma Cullen, Ty Rogers, Meagan Cullen, Madoxx Griffiths, and Zane and Braun Barrett. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Via Leeser and Penelope "Penny" Sutinen; her good friend Sally Hartwig; along with many of her beloved cats, and other family and friends.
Penny is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Douglas Watters, sister-in-law Colleen Watters, mother-in-law Geraldine Rickard, father-in-law Dalen Rickard, and brothers-in-law Don and Mike Rickard.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:00 am at Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 10 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial in Linden Cemetery will occur following the service with Pastor Lorri McGranahan officiating. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com
Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home Dodgeville 608-935-3628 www.houckfuneralhomes.com