Betty Ricke

Betty Ricke, 83, of Clarion, died May 3, 2022 at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams with Father Stephen Meyer, officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery following the services. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. There will also be a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 7:00 pm. Scripture service. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with caring for Betty and her family.


Betty Diana Ricke, daughter of Verlyn and Adeline Nelson Fry, was born December 13, 1938 in Boone. She graduated from Stratford High School in 1956 and received her registered nursing degree from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1959. She married John Henry Ricke on July 8, 1961 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams. Betty worked as a registered nurse until 1969. She was a board member on the Hamilton County Board of Health for 25 years. Betty was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.


She is survived by her husband, John of Clarion; sisters, Gayle Lutjen, Boone, Joan Galloway, of Fort Collins, Colorado, Linda (Sam) Nelson, Sergeant Bluff; son in law Keith Bowden of Alden, daughters, Johna (Todd) Clancy of Indianola, Lori (Eric Dunn) Ricke of St. Paul, MN, Natalie (Duane) Short of Ames; son, Ted (Kari) Ricke of Williams; grandchildren; Katlin Van Buskirk (Eddie) of Kearney, MO, Kali Short of Ames, Patrick Clancy of Ames, Brenna (Kevin) Garland of Tucson, AZ, Hannah Short of Ames, Evan Dunn of Ames, Logan (Claire) Clancy of Madrid, Lane Bowden of Alden, Lydia Dunn of Minneapolis, Dana Bowden of Iowa Falls, Makiah Ricke of St. Anthony, Kael Bowden of Alden and Reece Ricke of Williams; great grandchildren Jack (Edward John) Van Buskirk, Skyler Garland, Daniel Clancy, Kora Garland, Jude Van Buskirk and Adeline Clancy; and many beloved nieces and nephews.


Betty was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Mona Bowden.