Doris "Kay" Rickard, 79 years old, passed into glory January 29, 2020. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and love and prayers of family, friends and many supporters carried her through a valiant fight with cancer over the last 5 years. Even through her own struggles she mentored and unconditionally loved her children, grandchildren, family and friends to include young CNA‘s and RN’s at Bethany Home.
Kay was born on October 21, 1941, in Pratt, Kansas, to Carl and Phebe O’Hair. The youngest of 4 children, she is survived by her sister Beverly Ann Strickert.
She married the love of her life Gary Lee Rickard on July 8, 1959, who preceded her in death on February 14, 1972. Blessed with three children Alan Rickard (Salina, KS, Lori Billups (Winterhaven, CA, and Sue Lopez (Salina, KS).
Known for her love, servants heart, friendship and ability to gain trust she frequently had deep and meaningful conversations even with total strangers. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the hearts of many, who even now are being changed by the witness of her steadfast faith. Her signature gift of laughter and tears will never be forgotten.
Kay had a passion for youth and served as the Alateen sponsor for 25 years, 12 years on the Salina Youth Girls Home Board of Directors, a paraprofessional in USD 305 for 22 years, led the ‘Just Say No’ club at Hawthorne Elementary, and was an integral part of USD 305 Red Ribbon Week for 22 years. She deeply loved serving her community and was named the 2015 Kansas United Methodist Woman of the Year.
Survived by: Beverly Ann Strickert (sister, Jeanette O’Hair (sister-in-law, Alan and Mona Rickard (son and daughter-in-law, Clyde and Lori Billups (daughter and son-in-law, Javier and Sue Lopez (daughter and son-in-law); grandchildren Leanna and Miguel Garcia, Dustin Chestnut, Madison Lopez, and Gabi Lopez; great-grandchildren Michal, Israel and Judah Garcia; step children Tammy Williams, Mike Williams and Kelley Ruiz, and countless lifelong extended family and friends.
Preceded in death by: Parents Carl and Phebe O’Hair (parents, Don and Mildred O’Hair (brother and wife, Carl O’ Hair (brother, Roger Strickert brother-in-law, Donna Kay Strickert niece, David O’Hair nephew.
Please join us celebrating her life at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at United Methodist Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush St., Salina. A noon luncheon will precede the services.
Graveside services will be held July 8 in Scott City, Kan., on the 61st anniversary of Kay's marriage to Gary Lee Rickard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tammy Walker Cancer Center.