Helen Rickard

RICKARDHelen C. Rickard passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008, in Okla-homa City, with grace and dignity. She was born June 4, 1923, in Perkins, OK, to Delbert and Bess Lewis, both of whom pre-ceded her in death. Typi-cal of the Greatest Generation, Helen met her husband, Robert E. Rickard, Sr., while working as a secretary at the McDonald Douglas aviation plant (now Tinker) during WWII. They were married for 45 years, until Bob's death in 1991. She is also preceded in death by a son, Robert Jr., and a brother, Joe Lewis. Helen is survived by her daughter, Becky Rickard of OKC; her son, Tim, his wife Janet, their children Debbie Murnan and hus-band Patrick, Jennifer Rickard and Brian Rickard, all of OKC; grand-daughter, Valerie Michelle Evans, her husband Stephen; great-grand-son, Hayden Evans of Edmond, OK; and a grandson, Robert Joseph Rickard of Boise, Idaho; brother, Jim Lewis and wife Karlee of Lady Lake, FL; sister-in-law, Faunetta Lewis of Stillwater, OK; as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Helen and Bob built a family business developing neigh-borhoods and building homes in Oklahoma City. In addition, Helen was a dedicated volunteer at Mercy Hospital with many volunteer friends. She was also an avid OU sports fan. Her trademark was her beautiful silver hair, color-coordi-nated outfits and beautiful blue Cadillac. As well, she was like a Timex watch: she took a licking and kept on ticking! She remark-ably maintained her sense of hu-mor and wit until the very end. He-len was known to always think of others before thinking of herself. She delighted in the accomplish-ments of her children and grand-children, and always encouraged them to pursue their educations. Helen was a generous, kind and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a hap-py, funny and beautiful woman who will be missed. Services are 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church (N.W. 25th &; Western) in the chapel. Interment will take place at Rose Hill immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Children's Center, 6800 N.W. 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008. Viewing will be at Hahn Cook Funeral Home until 7:00 pm Wednesday evening.