Christine Ricks Obituary

Christine Maria Ricks, born January 8, 1950, in Salzburg, Austria, was given her wings and went home to the Lord on July 11, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of the late Bruce Leroy and Helen Maria (Schmeid) Allen.
In her early years, Chris experienced life in many different countries as her father proudly served in the military. Her family eventually settled in Perry, Michigan, where she graduated from high school in 1968. After graduating, she dreamed of a career in interior design, but her greatest fulfillment came from creating a loving family of her own.
In 1987, Chris married the love of her life, the late Don Ricks. Together, they built a beautiful life rich with love, laughter, and faith until Don's passing in 2020. Also preceding her in death were her beloved sons, Scott Gutting and Todd Gutting, whom she loved dearly and missed every day.
Chris is survived by her children, Kimberly (Tom) Davis, Elaine Smith, Ed (Gae) Ricks, Cynthia (Pamela Young) Ricks, and Dan (Elaine) Ricks. Her unwavering love continues to live on through her cherished grandchildren-Alex Coubal, Jalyn Davis, Nicholas Smith, Erin Regenfuss, Lauren Kimball, Alexa Ricks, Travis Ricks, Zach Ricks, and Nicole Kraayenbrink-and her many great-grandchildren.
Chris was beautiful inside and out. She was a true people person who always saw the good in everyone she met and made friends wherever she went. She loved deeply, and her kindness and authenticity touched all who knew her. She devoted her life to God, finding strength and purpose in her Christian faith every day.
Chris also had a special love for animals, especially her golden retriever, Lily. She found joy in simple pleasures-quilting, spending time in her garden growing flowers and vegetables, and sharing her warm spirit with everyone around her. Her generous heart, gentle nature, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.
Chris will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the love she so freely gave and the light she brought into the lives of all who knew her.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:00am at Glass River Cemetery (Ellsworth Rd. East of State Rd. Morrice, Michigan 48857) Christine's family will receive friends at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 214 S. Main St. Perry, on Tuesday from 2:00pm-4:00pm & 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Memorial contributions can be directed the Humane Society.
Online condolences can be shared at WatkinsFuneralHomes.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christine, please visit our floral store.