Elizabeth Ricks Obituary

On the morning of Sunday, February 11th, the gates of heaven opened for Elizabeth (Penny) Taylor Ricks to enter into eternal happiness. She was born in Chico, CA on January 25, 1925 and recently celebrated her 99th birthday. She and her late husband, Leon Ricks, met and were married in January 1944. Shortly after, their son, Michael Leon was born in October of 1944. After receiving military orders, they moved from Oregon to New Orleans. She was known to many as Mrs. Ricks during the time she and Leon owned and operated Airline Park Supermarket with their son, Michael for over 20 years. It was at "the store" that she was able to have a lasting influence on so many young lives and teach them the value of working hard and taking pride in what they do. Penny provided guidance, inspiration and occasionally, a swift kick when needed. When she wasn't working at the store, she was working on one of several houses that they purchased and renovated for rental properties. Not only did she draw her own house plans for the new houses that they built, she was also an accomplished businesswoman who knew how to make things happen. It was her uncanny ability to save every penny that got her the nickname "Penny". She was preceded in death by her husband Leon, her son Michael (Gerry) and all six of her siblings – Charles Taylor, Ethel Marker, Fran Burton, James Taylor, John Taylor and Rosemary Miller as well as her parents, Jesse James and Helen Schweiger Taylor. She leaves behind two grandchildren - Michael Ricks (Darlene) and Dawn Ricks Horvath (Rudy); her great grandchildren - Melaina Ricks Gibbs (Emerson), Andrew Michael Ricks (Rikki), Michael William Ricks, Rudolph Michael Horvath, Cole Dalferes, Cade Dalferes and Carter Dalferes. She also leaves behind Charles Warner and his family. Friends, family and her many acquaintances are invited to a Memorial Mass on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment will be private in Lake Lawn Park in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, since Penny was a devout Catholic, it is preferred that memorial donations be made to her church, St. Ann Catholic Church, 4940 Meadowdale, Metairie, LA 70006. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.