Mary Jane was born the daughter of Reese and Florence Blackmer Ellett on November 5, 1919, in Cooper, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Perry, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Ralph R. RicKard on January 3, 1936, in Newton, Iowa. To this union five children were born, Roberta, Martin, Carol, Nancy and Michael. Following their marriage, the couple resided in Grinnell and operated RicKard Electric. The couple then lived in Newton, Gilbert for 15 years, and then New Sharon for 23 years. She was a member of Union Mills Church and more recently, the Friends Church in New Sharon. She had a beautiful voice and performed solos at church for weddings, funerals and other events. She was an intelligent person who encouraged her children to study and pursue higher education. At the age of 50, she completed her GED and then attended Iowa State University, where she graduated at the top of her class with a certificate in nutrition. Her legacy of love will long be remembered in her knitting and crocheting. Each member of her family has received a gift that was either knitted or crocheted by her loving fingers. Her enjoyments also included cooking, baking, needlework, gardening and teaching the word of the Lord at Sunday school. Mary is survived by her daughters, Roberta (Richard) Verwers of Gladbrook, Iowa, Carol (Jerry) Skjordal of Ames, Iowa, and Nancy Hose, Wyoming, Iowa; her sons, Marty (Linda) RicKard of Fort Myers, Florida, and Mike (Nancy) Rickard of Traer, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Union Mills Church and may be sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO BOX 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.