Freda M. Ricks, age 90, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, passed away on December 17, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Mr. Maurice C. Ricks. She was survived by sons M. David (Gail) of Maple Grove, MN, Steven J. (Yolanda) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Jeffrey D. (Teri) of Maple Grove, MN; godson, William (Anita) Thompson of North Chicago, IL; grandchildren Steven (Sterlainie), Grandville (Holly Engle), Dhomonique (Frank), William Jr., Xavier, and Isaiah Thompson; cousin Glenda Ricks; great-grandchildren, London Ricks, Christian, and Christopher Murphy, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Freda was a Civilian Federal Employee for the Dept. of the Navy for 32 years. She was the recipient of the Dept. of the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award and a National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees member.
She was also an amateur radio operator for over 50 years (KD3SG), a member of the American Radio Relay League for 50-plus years; a member of O. M. I. K. Amateur Radio Assoc.; a Cub Scout Den Mother for over 11 years, and a Cub Scout USA Roundtable Service member for three years.
Additionally, Freda was the recipient of the prestigious scouting Silver Fawn Award, and graduate of the University of the South School of Theology – Program of Theological Education by Extension Education for Ministry.
At the Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth, MN, she was a lay leader, a longtime member of the Altar Guild, a reader of scriptures during services, a greeter of parishioners, a teacher at Sunday school and helped with Christmas pageants.
Her hobbies included collecting little owl statues and ladybug replicas. She loved gardening and feeding God’s little creatures as they regularly visited her bird feeders stuffed with seeds from the deck of her home.
Services were held for Freda M. Ricks on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at Church of the Epiphany in Minneapolis. The interment was held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials and flowers may be sent to Washburn-McReavy.com.
