Norma Geraldine Ricken

Norma “Jerre” (Halstead) Ricken, 84 passed away on October 5, 2017 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Nursing Care Center in La Junta, surrounded by her family. She was born in La Junta, CO on April 2, 1933, to Robert and Lora (Brooks) Halstead, where she lived most of her life, except for a few years in Clovis, New Mexico as a child. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert P. Ricken on June 11, 1951; he preceded her in death on May 18, 1998.

In 1960 they bought the family farm on Highway 194 where she and Bob raised their three children and the fourth generation is now a part of their dream. She was a devoted, wife, mother and grandmother. Her life revolved around her family and friends. She never knew a stranger and was loved by everyone she knew. Visiting with friends was her favorite pastime. Jerre worked off the family farm for a brief time at the local sugar beet dump, weighing the local farmer’s beets, and later at Woolworths, which was a perfect fit for her love of people. Jerre was especially fond of dogs, choosing to purchase their first dog on their honeymoon rather than spending one more night, much to Bob’s disappointment. Her grandchildren will always remember her candy cupboard was fully stocked awaiting their arrival. Her family and friends will remember her tender heart, infectious laugh and smile. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her son, Rodney (Barbara) Ricken of La Junta, CO; daughters, Diana (Hugh) Milyard of Pueblo, CO; Patricia (Sam) Corey of Bellflower, CA; grandchildren, Eric (Megan) Milyard of Poulsbo, WA; Melissa (Del) Thornhill of Parker, CO; Dustin (Amy) Milyard of Pueblo, CO; Kent (Holly) Ricken of Boone, CO; Chad (Heidi) Ricken of La Junta, CO; Krista (Ryan) Bender of La Junta, CO; Sean Corey of Havelock, NC; Bryan (Danielle) Corey of Roseburg, OR; and was blessed with 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Henry Wertin officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at the Arkansas Valley Nursing care center for the loving care they provided Jerre.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to Arkansas Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 or to Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Patrick Parish, 518 W. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO 81050, direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.