JACKSON – Myrtie L. Ricker, 68, passed away Feb. 23, 2007, surrounded by many of her loved ones and in the thoughts and prayers of so many others, at a Belfast hospital. She was born March 24, 1938, to T. Elwood and Mary L. (Stimpson) Welch. Myrtie was born and raised in Jackson, where she lived on a farm with her parents and siblings. She loved her family farm and was an avid horsewoman. She competed in and won many riding competitions on her horse, Trixie. She was proud of her town and her family and friends. There was nothing she would not do for someone in need. She graduated from Morse Memorial School, Brooks and later went on to work at the same school for 35 years, where she recently retired. She spent time with her husband while he was in the Army and they were stationed in Germany. Neither had ever been away from home and this was one of the best times of their life together. They made friends during that time and became like a small family, supporting each other so far from home. These people remained in her life right up until the end. After graduating from high school, she worked briefly as a bank teller in Newport, where she met people that she kept in contact with right until her death. Once she met you, she was a friend for life. She was the secretary at Morse Memorial School, Brooks from 1971 to 2006. She took such delight in seeing her daughter, son and granddaughter attend the school where she worked. She also felt a deep sense of pride and love for each and every child attending the school during those 35 years. Myrtie was a wonderful cook and gardener. Daybreak was her favorite time of day and she loved to be outdoors, especially while working alongside her husband in their sawmill. She worked diligently on her lawn and flower gardens, right up until the time of her illness. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 50 years, Darol W. Ricker; her daughter, Karla Ricker; son, Kevin Ricker; granddaughter, Hayley Rae, all of Jackson; brother, Earl Welch and his wife, Janet, of Dixmont; brother, T. Elwood Welch Jr. and his wife, Viola, of Thorndike; sister, Joyce Chase and her husband, Richard, of Unity; sister, Marylin Applebee and her husband, Vinal, of Enfield. Honorary family members, who will miss her deeply are, Ken Flagg of Belfast, Michelle Waters of Dixmont, Sandra Miles and her daughter, Crystal Pinkham of Jackson and Eileen Ellis of Brooks. Her exceptional friend, John Mollison of Jackson provided Myrtie with hope and inspiration during this difficult time by writing her poetry every day. Everyone was special to Myrtie and there are too many to name, but they all know who they are. She was predeceased by her parents; and a very special nephew, Ricky Welch. A celebration of her life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at the Morse Memorial School, Brooks, led by family friend, Liz Sullivan of Thorndike. Refreshments will be served immediately after the celebration, where there will be an opportunity to visit with the family. In lieu of flowers and for anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory, Myrtie’s family would like contributions sent to Morse Memorial School, care of Eileen Ellis, 27 School St., Brooks, ME 04921, where there is a playground renovation being planned. Arrangements by Young’s Funeral Home, Searsport.
MYRTIE L. RICKER
