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In fond remembrance: Sherry Kay Rickert passed away on her birthday, April 9th. Born in Bakersfield04/19/1946, CA in 1946, she was 74 years old. Sherry was the second child in an Air Force family. Her late parents, Wayne Lowell Rickert and Kathleen Elizabeth (nee Carter), were assigned many places. Sherry attended schools in Ohio, Missouri, Guam, and Louisiana , ending up in Tucson, Arizona where she graduated high school. She was a member of the National Honor Society and head majorette for the high school band. Just after h.s.graduation she proved herself to be outstanding as a hair model. Next, she briefly attended the University of Wyoming before moving to California where she was a paralegal while pursuing a degree in accounting. She also became a licensed CPA. In the mid '70s she moved to Salem, Oregon and joined an accounting firm. After a few years with that firm, she spent about 10 years as the Accountant for Izzy's Restaurants. Later on she became Office Manager and Accountant for Pacific Sanitation where she remained until her retirement. She possessed exceptional skills as a seamstress and often made clothes for the family. A kind and loving person, she was always willing to give a helping hand when others were in need. She enjoyed camping and had an adventurous streak camping clear from the west coast to the east coast of the United States. She is survived by her daughter Katherine Rickert, brother Wayne and sister-in-law, Jan, of Dallas, Oregon; sisters Valerie of Catalina, Arizona, and Laura Beach and brother in law, Tom of Enterprise, Oregon.
Was looking up your address on line and gobstopped to see this obituary! You were my best friend in Tucson High School. Then you went off to modeling school. I stayed at UofA then moved to CA. You came to CA to be roommates with me. We worked together, me as office manager and you as bookkeeper, for small manufact. Company in Costa Mesa. We had so many crazy times together. For my 21st birthday you wanted to take me out for my "first legal drink." At the bar were everyone from our office as a surprise! The gentlemen kept putting money on the table to "pay for the next round." When party finally broke up, the money on the table not only paid the bar tab but we thought we would go to dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Newport Beach, the Five Crowns. Waiting for table, at the piano bar, we struck up conversation with several couples, saying it was my 21st birthday, etc. Finally our table was avail and we had a very delicious meal. I remember I had roast duck for first time, and we had some flaming dessert after. When you asked for bill, we were told the meal was already paid for by a gentleman who had been at the piano bar! The owner of the restaurant! So, we split and pocketed the money. We had so many fun times over the years. After I bought my house in Long Beach, you came once again to be my roommate. One weekend you suggested we go to a new disco in Newport Beach. That was the night I met my husband Paul, an air force officer. Forty five years later we're still married. Sherry, you were my maid of honor at my wedding. My life and yours shot off in different directions and I lost touch. We moved to Germany (and Paul looked up Ricky who invited him for dinner with his wife) this was before I joined Paul in Germany. After Germany, we settled in Northern Virginia close to DC where we raised our two children. Paul retired and we have returned to live in Tucson. Have been here 17 years now. Have thought of you many times over the years and wish I had reached out to you. Seems my life was never without you from high school until I was married. I will never forget you and your contribution to my being me. We had so many fun times together. You were the sane one! Love you. Some day I hope to meet your daughter.
Have many fond memories of visiting at the Gebhardt family picnics over the years. No matter what might have been going on in her personal life, Sherry was always gracious and kind and always had that wonderful smile. Time flies but love remains.
I have such vivid memories, as a kid, of Sherry living in our home. She was such a beautiful woman with a great presence and a fun personality. As an adult, serving in the Navy in Long Beach CA, Sherry reached out to me and we had an opportunity to spend some time together. As I remembered she still had that fun-loving spirit, determination and perspective that I could only aspire to. I regret not keeping in better touch with her throughout her life journey. With Deepest regards.
Glad I sent Sherry a note about a year ago reminiscing why she was such a great, big sister to me. I remember when I was young, I got to lay in bed with her and we read our books until wee hours of the morning. It was so cool to get away with staying up so late. She was the one who got me reading books for fun. I stayed with her several different times when she lived in CA. There are more stories about that. She taught me how to do my own taxes and be secure in doing so. Later in life she loaned me 1k that allowed me to get a new job in another town. Like I said she was a GREAT, big sister to me. I miss her very, very, very much. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven where I know she is now rid of all difficulties and experiencing both peace and great joy. Love you so much, Sherry!
I did not know you very well. But as young child I remember I really liked you. You made my trip to Disneyland
Love to you and to Wayne and Janet and the rest of the family
It was a long road, Sherry. You traveled it pretty well. I think about our childhood together and all our years. There is a void is my life now that points out how we take things for granted until its too late. Sleep well, Sis.
Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with her arrangements.