Franklin F. Ricker

Franklin F. Ricker, 90, passed away at Sterling Presbyterian Manor on March 6th, 2017 in Sterling, KS. He was born to John & Anna (Miller) Ricker on March 8th, 1926 in rural Prescott, KS. He married Lillian Koch in Bushton, KS on June 8th 1947 she preceded him in death on February 10th, 2013. Mr. Ricker was a lifetime Chase resident where he worked for over 40 years at the Chase COOP. Franklin began as a part time employee sweeping bins and doing whatever was needed and eventually worked his way to manager of the filling station. He also drove the fuel tank trunk and was honored by the company upon surpassing 1 billion gallons sold. In 1981 he became branch manager at the Chase Elevator where he worked until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Ricker also drove the school bus for the Chase Public School area where he met his close friend Bob Spani. He loved to travel the world and enjoyed numerous trips to Russia among other places with his family. He truly loved his work and felt blessed by each day. Mr. Ricker was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood and previously a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lyons where he served as church secretary and trustee. He also served multiple terms on the Chase City council and as the Mayor. 
Survivors include daughter, Annette Cain & husband, Franklin, Sterling, KS; sister, Mary Ann Schrag, Hutchinson, KS; 4 grandchildren, Kellie Swain, Stuart Smith, Robert Klein, and Spencer Smith,; and 1  great-grandchild, Hannah Swain. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Lillian Ricker, daughter, Charlotte Gates, 3 brothers, Alvin Ricker, Leonard Ricker, and Harold Ricker; and 2 sisters, Mildred Domey and Betty Nestler. 
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 11th at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Rev. Tom Thierfelder officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will be Friday, March 10th from 1-7 PM with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church, or Grace Lutheran Church, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.