Submitted
Viola Ruth Elizabeth (Roy) Ricks will celebrate her 100th birthday on August 2, 2024. She was born on August 2, 1924, to Dona and Nathalie Roy on a farm near Webster, Kansas. Viola was the eldest among her nine siblings, namely , Eugene, Orville, Clifford, Laverne, Donna, Albert, Shirley, Norma, and Stanley. Unfortunately, her sister Shirley passed away at the age of 4.
On January 30, 1944, Viola married Julian Estus Ricks in Salina, Kansas. At the time, Viola was pursuing her education at Brown Mackie College, while Julian was serving in the Air Force at Schilling Air Force Base.
Following their marriage, they relocated to several different states before settling down in Texas due to Julian's employment. Viola dedicated many years to childcare in Arlington, Texas before retiring. Her interests included gardening, ceramics, and cherished moments spent with loved ones. Traveling the world brought her immense joy, having visited all of the states within the United States, as well as countries like Italy and France.
Viola and Julian are proud parents to five children: Jerry, Larry, Joyce, Janice, and Julie. Their family has grown to include 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Currently, Viola resides in Salina, Kansas, with her youngest daughter Julie and son-in-law Dayle. Despite her age, she continues to enjoy trips to Branson with her sister and sisters-in-law.
One thing she consistently prays to God for is to be a good person and show kindness to others.