Obituary for Odelia Ricko- by Elaine Ricko-Barnes

HEAVEN HOLDS A PLACE FOR THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED

Mrs. Odelia Ricko departed this earth Oct. 19, 2008, being 88 years, 10 months of age. She passed in the care of the Hospice Community Care Unit at Geisenger Hospital South Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Aloysius Ricko, in 1989; and grandsons, Eric Frank Kammer, in 2001 and Brandon Jon Gabriel, in 1976. She had remained sound of mind, faithful, stable and strong till her journey on this earth ended, and now rests in the House of the Lord.

She was born Odelia Gabina Tapia, on Dec. 7, 1919, in Las Vegas, N.M., at the home of her grandparents, Clemente and Simona Garcia Chaves. A journey made especially for her birth. She is the daughter of the late Samuel and Gabina Chaves, Tapia and the eldest of four children. Her families’ heritage dates back to the early Spanish Colonial Settlers of the Spanish Empire of what is now New Mexico. They have been documented living there since the mid 1600s. She was bi-lingual in Spanish, for this was the language spoken in her childhood home. While living in her hometown of Trinidad, Colo., she worked as a secretary for Trinidad Junior College.

After World War II broke out, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed by the War Department. It is here she met her future husband, Leo Ricko. After they wed in 1946, she and Leo moved to his hometown area in Luzerne County, Pa., and set up housekeeping. They quickly settled into the City of Plymouth and began raising their family. There she remained for the entirety of her life.She enjoyed her trips back home to Trinidad, Colo., to visit her family with whom she remained extremely close and forever missed.

Her whole life she only knew hard work. Mrs. Ricko retired from the Leader Nursing Home in 1985, where she was employed as a nurse’s aide for 13 years. Prior employment consisted of work in the factories.

She was a devoted member of St. Vincent’s Church in Plymouth. Later, after having to switch, she transferred to the newly formed Congregation of All Saints Catholic Church.

In 2004, she traveled to Trinidad, Colo., to attend The Trinidad Historical Society’s Indoctrination of the Tapia Family into The Century Family’s of Las Animas County. Her grandparents, Jesus and Juanita Benevidez, Tapia arrived in Trinidad, from New Mexico, before 1880. She has been an active member in the Daughters of the American Revolution since 2006. This honorable recognition came through Spain’s financial support for the cause, among the Militia Soldiers located at the Santa Fe Presidio, Spanish Colonial New Mexico. The obligation included the participation of her third great-grandfather, Manuel Mares in 1781 and 1785.

While every heart knows its own sadness, her journey on this earth was not without trials and tribulations. But she managed them with grace and dignity, stemming from her strong faith in God. She was an extremely strong individual who loved life and never questioned the cards she was dealt. And when the end was near she just left it in God’s hands. She never complained. She was especially blessed with excellent health, a hopeful and cheerful disposition, loving family and devoted friends. She passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the courage, pride and strength of her Spanish heritage.

Odelia is survived by her children, Mrs. Nadine Ricko Kammer, Kingston; Mrs. Elaine Ricko Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Leo Ricko, Leesburg, Va.; John Ricko Samuels, Golden, Colo.; six grandchildren, Traci Kammer Goldberg, Jamie Kammer, Jessica Barnes, Whitley Samuels, Elijah Ricko and Emily Ricko; two great-grandchildren, Samuel Goldberg and Jaren Golderg; and her brother, Samuel Tapia, Trinidad, Colo.

Her final resting place will be next to her husband, Leo, in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Larksville. Odelia will be missed greatly by her family, friends and neighbors.

Our family would like to thank the angel nurses and staff of Hospice Community Care. You made mom’s last moments on Earth peaceful and comfortable. She passed with respect and dignity. Something very important to her.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Community Care, 601 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704. Thank you.

Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Plymouth, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 a.m.