Audrey Ricker

Audrey M. Ricker, age 93, passed away October 13, 2025. Services will be held in late summer of 2026 in Payson, AZ at Mt. Cross Lutheran Church. Contributions to the programs at Mt. Cross Lutheran Church are appreciated.

Audrey was born to Carl E. and Cora O. (Engrav) Christensen in Waukon March 24, 1932. She grew up on the family farm and met her husband, Clayton Ricker, in high school when the principal said, “Hey Clayton, Audrey is sick and you’ve got a car, you need to give her a ride home.” They were married July 27, 1952, and spent 71 years together.

Her life and career were intertwined with the career of her husband and raising a family. She worked for social agencies in California, manufacturing companies in Arizona, and mining companies in Colorado. She was a “Girl Friday” that kept small offices running efficiently. Her shorthand skills made her highly sought after. She retired as a legal secretary from Caterpillar Equipment Company in Chandler, AZ in 1988.

Retirement was spent in Strawberry, AZ. She loved to entertain, and she hosted many holiday gatherings.  Their home was open to all. Camping, traveling to the western states/Alaska, square dancing, and hiking were many of the things she enjoyed.

She is survived by her son, Dennis (Patricia) Ricker; her granddaughter, Brett (Charlie) Renfro; her grandson, Jared Ricker; her great-grandchildren, Hilde Renfro and Helga Renfro; her brother, James (Kay) Christensen of Lansing; her sister, Coreen Werner of Salem, OR; her nephew, Kermit Leas of Tucson, AZ; and many other special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Ricker; her parents; her sister, Clarice Leas; and her nephew, Robert Christensen.