Obituary of Mildred Genevieve Ricks

Mildred Genevieve Ricks Funeral services for Mildred Genevieve Ricks of Winfield, MO will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield. Rev. Mike Ryan, pastor of the Winfield Baptist Church will officiate with burial in Winfield Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be George Ricks, Gary Nichols, Tyler Ricks, Zack Nichols, Zane Nichols, Larry Carter, Jim Mayes and Mike Parker. Miss Ricks, 93, passed away early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2008 at the Lincoln County Medical Center in Troy, MO. Born November 5, 1914 in Argentville, MO, she was the daughter of William Thomas and Ada Dawkins Ricks. She graduated with honors from Winfield High School in 1933. She worked for a time as a clerk and bookkeeper for Ricks Community Store in Winfield. Furthering her education, she also graduated from Summers Business College in East St. Louis, IL, and Brown's Business College in St. Louis, MO. She was then employed as office manager and bookkeeper at Rite Price Gas Co. in East St. Louis. When the U.S. entered World War II, Mildred wanted to contribute to the war effort and joined the Civil Service 1943. She was first stationed with the Seventh Service Command in Omaha, NE, and was transferred to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where she worked for the Department of the Army in the Adjutant General's Office. During the 24 years she lived in the Washington, D.C. area, Mildred held several part-time jobs in the private sector: manager at Carrier's Food Service in Washington, D.C.; bookkeeper at Allies Inn in Washington, D.C.; and supervisor at Woodward and Lathrop Department Store in Falls Church, VA. In 1966 she transferred to the Federal Records Center in St. Louis, MO so she could return to Winfield to care for her mother. During her 30 years of Civil Service, she worked as a printing and publication specialist, purchasing agent, contracting officer, Liaison Officer with the Department of Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Government Printing Office, Bureau of Printing and Engraving and other government agencies, and auditor and management specialist, retiring in 1973. Following her retirement from Civil Service, Mildred became involved in many local organizations and charities. She was very active in work with WINCO in Winfield. She served as a manager of the Winfield Senior Citizen Housing Inc., and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Mildred served as Mayor of Winfield from April, 1987 until November, 1989. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She was also a lifetime member of the Lincoln County Historical Society, Lincoln County Genealogy Society and the Lincoln County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a valued employee of Carter-Ricks Funeral Homes for almost 15 years. Miss Ricks was a member of the Winfield Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ada Ricks; and one brother, William Raymond Ricks. Survivors include one nephew, George Ricks and his wife, Cindy, of Eolia, MO; and one niece, Mary Guy Nichols and her husband, Gary, of Columbia, MO; several great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield. Memorials may be made to the Winfield Cemetery or to the Lincoln County Medical Center Nursing Scholarship in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389. Online condolences may be made at www.carterricksfuneralhome.com.