Marjorie Jane Rickman

Published October 26, 2020 at 11:14 PM

Marjorie (Marge) Jane Rickman passed away at 91 from cancer on September 13, 2020 at Sonora Adventist Health Hospital.

Marjorie was born on February 11, 1929 to Clarence and Jane (Henderson) Lind. She developed her love of music living on the family‘s Nisswa, Minnesota farm with her brothers Vernon, Arthur, and Robert.

After the family moved to San Francisco in 1945 for Clarence’s WWII shipyards job, Marjorie played piano at Hunter’s Point church. There, she met Royce Rickman—son of Harry and Rena (Metzinger) Rickman, Missouri dairy farmers—while he was stationed at Alameda Naval Base. Royce started work at United Airlines (UAL), and then he and Marjorie married October 16, 1948.

In 1952, Royce’s UAL job brought the family to Illinois where their three children were born—Gary, Marilyn, and Karen.

In 1960, the family moved to Los Gatos, California for Royce’s UAL job. Marjorie helped Royce organize boys’ camps for Christian Service Brigade (CSB). She also worked at Christian Nationals Evangelism Commission (C.N.E.C.).

In 1970, Marjorie and Royce purchased property near Columbia, California. They built and ran the Flying R Ranch horse boarding and training facility while Royce continued flying for UAL. Marjorie cherished their rural lifestyle with the abundant wildlife.

Marjorie was a strong woman of faith. She regularly attended church, sharing God’s love through her piano and organ playing. At Sierra Bible Church and Church of the 49er’s, she also played in their handbell choirs.

Marjorie loved people. She came alive whenever she brightened someone’s day. She began volunteering before marriage, playing organ at Menlo Park VA Hospital. During Sonora years, she played piano at Avalon Care Center, and was honored with her team for their volunteer work.

Marjorie was a master at devising fun—reminiscent of Lucille Ball. Marjorie used her considerable writing skills, storytelling talents, and poetic ingenuity to create laughter and celebrate people’s lives.

Marjorie is survived by brother, Arthur (Pauline) Lind; children, Gary (Sue) Rickman, Marilyn Rickman, and Karen Rickman; granddaughters Deborah Rickman and Stephanie (Daniel) Cary; great-grandsons, Joshua and Matthew Cary; and close family friend, James deGlopper III.

Marjorie was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Jane Lind; husband Royce Rickman; son, Stephen Lee Rickman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vernon (Virginia) Lind, and Bob (Ellen) Lind.

Celebration of Life is scheduled at Church of the 49er’s in Columbia at the 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2020. To attend remotely, contact Marilyn (MarilynRickman@hotmail.com). Reception follows.

Memorial donations to Church of the 49er Sanctuary Fund 209-532-2441.