MARS HILL AND WINDHAM, Maine – Joan J. Ricker, 75, passed away on June 29, 2017. She was born Sept. 30, 1941 in Lewiston, Maine, daughter of the late Antonio and Juliette Rivard.
Joan, after having been featured in a local newspaper article as the “first female barber in Aroostook County,” went on to make her mark by way of small-town entrepreneur, using her creative talents to establish a variety of businesses in the Mars Hill area. She was also active in the church, having taught Sunday School for many years, and liked nothing better than bringing a Bible story to life for those in attendance. Her greatest love was that of her family, where she truly shined in her role of devoted wife, nurturing mother, and doting grandmother.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Edgar A. Ricker, and son John W. Botting. She is survived by her three children: Michael J. Botting and his wife Christi of South Carolina, Andrew A. Ricker of New Jersey, and Carrie A. Merrill and her husband Christopher of Standish; grandchildren Ciara Khemira of Standish, Arianna Hobbs of Massachusetts, Audrey Ricker of Standish, Leroy Otis of Tennessee, and Candace Otis of South Carolina; and her honorary daughter, Catherine Anderson of Presque Isle.
The legacy Joan leaves behind will not be defined by way of worldly assets bestowed upon her survivors, but that of a deep compassion for others, a willingness to look beyond oneself at the world and those in it who might benefit from a kind word or a smile. A phrase often heard in her presence: “It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.” Simple words from a simple woman who knew how to love, how to reach out, and who will be sorely missed.
A graveside service was held on Monday, July 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Kings Grove Cemetery in Mars Hill. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at
www.duncan-graves.com.
