Vema Ricker

Vema C. Souders Ricker, age 89, formerly of St. Thomas, and currently resided at Penn Hall, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012. Born February 6, 1923 in Mercersburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clyde A. and Ruth E. Gushert Souders.

Mrs. Ricker was a 1941 graduate of the former St. Thomas High School. She began her working career in retail at McCory’s Five and Ten and at Montgomery Ward Department Store. She continued her career as a bank teller at the former Valley Bank retiring in 1987. Mrs. Ricker was a member of King Street Church, the VFW Post 1599 Auxiliary, the St. Thomas American Legion, Post 612, AARP, Norland Chapter 3261, NARFE 1063, Good Sam’s Camping Club, St. Thomas Farm Women, St. Thomas Sportsman’s Association, and the 4-H Club, where she was a leader. She enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, bowling, yard saling, traveling and making crafts.

Surviving are five children, Bonnie R. Kunkle (John) of Mont Alto, PA; Duane H. Ricker (Kaye) of Chambersburg, PA; Duite E. Ricker (Jackie) of Chambersburg, PA; Dwan M. Ricker (Nina) of Mercersburg, PA; Douglas L. Ricker (Debra) of Chambersburg, PA, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-four great- grandchildren, one great - great granddaughter expected in February, and one sister, Pauline S. Stouffer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Ricker on August 5, 1998 and three siblings, Charlotte S. Toms, Cody C. Souders, and Helen S. Wingert.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 9:30 AM; where Rev. Paul B. Baker will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 7:00 until 9:00 PM and 30 minutes prior to the service on Friday in the Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service in St. Thomas Cemetery.