Richard D. "Rick" Shooks

Richard “Rick” D. Shooks 77, a lifelong resident of Ellsworth, entered into the arms of the Lord on November 20, 2024 after a sudden illness. He was born November 12, 1947 in Petoskey the son of Wesley and Ruby (Newland) Shooks. 

Rick proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Jensen Richardson American Legion Post 488 of Ellsworth. He was also an active, lifetime member of the Belltower Reformed Church and served in many capacities over the years including most recently as an elder.

Rick’s dedicated work ethic started as a child with his love of working at Shooks Market in Ellsworth; it also helped grow his love of gardening! He was a very good salesman with a long history in sales. He always enjoyed meeting new people and talking with them too. He even went on to own his own Sales Company in Waste Oil Heating. Rick was a self-taught carpenter and was always willing to help others in need. He was selfless in his ways, giving, and kind to all who knew him. 

On July 9, 1971 in Ripon, CA he married the love of his life of 53 years, Irene (Kamper), who survives. Also surviving are his children Lynell J. (Dan) Miller of Grand Rapids, Mitchell R. (Kay) Shooks of Grand Rapids, Gretchen I. (John) Betten of Fort Riley, KS, Melinda G. (Ramsey) Tesch of Grand Rapids, grandchildren Clara, Josie, Sadie, Hazel, Wesley, Bethany, Eleanor, Lillian, Michael, brothers Wesley (Janet) Shooks of the The Villages, FL, Doug (Nancy) Shooks of Livonia, Dave (Franessa) Shooks of Ellsworth, sister Carol Martin of Charlevoix, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 25, at 11 a.m. at the Belltower Reformed Church with Rev. Cobus Manders and Rev. Jim Heneveld officiating. Military Honors will follow. Memorial contributions can be given to the Good Samaritan or the Belltower Reformed Church. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.