Patsy Jo Martin Rickman and Tommy Leroy Rickman passed unexpectedly, on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Patsy was born December 10, 1944, to M.H. and Sally Martin, an only child and the love of her parents’ life. Tommy was born January 29, 1945 and the son of Leroy and Ellen Rickman. They both grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and went on to West Texas State College, where they met and eventually married. They were married almost 50 years.
Tom was in the US Air Force after graduating college, and went on to become a pharmaceutical representative, and then worked in human resources for many years. Tom enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, and collectibles.
Patsy was an incredible mother, grandmother, and friend to all she met. She loved teaching children and recently retired from Garland ISD, teaching kindergarten for many years. She was thrilled to see her “kids” gain knowledge and skills that would forever change their lives.
Patsy loved multiple activities, including gardening, reading, cooking, and anything with good ole fashioned country music--especially if Vince Gill was involved. Holidays with the family were huge, as she was passionate about making so much food that everyone left over-served, with leftovers for weeks!
Altruisim was a word that defined Patsy. For those that knew her, she would do anything to help anyone, especially her family. She was so loyal that she would put off her own needs (including hip surgery), to put someone else first. Nothing would get in her way of taking care of other people’s problems.
Their greatest love and pride in life was their children, who survive them, Miles Patrick Rickman, of Denton, TX, and Rebecca Rickman Godfrey, of Dallas, TX. She took great joy in their lives. “Granny and Grandad” loved their 3 grandsons (Gray, Garrison and Garner Godfrey) more than life itself. A huge enjoyment for them was watching and cheering on the boys’ athletic events. Patsy and Tommy are survived by several other cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Allen, Texas on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Greenpond Cemetery in Como, Texas, on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, in Amarillo, TX, or to the charity of choice.