Franklin George Ricker Sr., Mni’owicakté (Kills Him in the Water), born April 20, 1936 passed away peacefully at the age of 84 of kidney failure at the Hi-Line Retirement home in Malta, MT on July 7, 2020.
George was born to Theodore (Ted) Ricker and Mildred Dupree in Poplar. He was the youngest son and the last survivor of Ted Ricker’s immediate family. He attended school in Poplar and Flandreau, SD.
George enlisted in the Army/Air Force on October 5, 1954. He was stationed at Parks Air Force Base, California; Guam; and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT. George was honorably discharged on February 27, 1960 at Hamilton Air Force Base, CA. He was an Airman Police with the rank of Airmen 2nd Class. He was honored to serve his country and always very proud to be a veteran. In 1989, he went to Sand Diego, CA to see his son William graduate from bootcamp and become a U.S. Marine. He was so happy and proud. While in the service he met Bruce Hanson and they became life-long friends.
Returning home from the service George worked many jobs including roofing and the Tribe WPA Project. He worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Land Operations Department for 32 years. He was elected as Sergeant at Arms for the Fort Peck Tribes and served three terms. He retired in 1995.
George met Helen Youpee at the Oil Discovery Celebration in August 1963 and they were married January 16, 1965 at Lindsey Church in Poplar, MT. They were married for 55 years. They had two sons, George (Skay) Ricker Jr. and William Theodore Ricker, Jewel and Eugene Youpee also stayed with us.
George was given his great-great grandfather’s Indian name, Mni’owicakté (Kills Him in the Water), by his brother, Jiggs Ricker and nephew, Pat Owns Pipe-Ricker. George also received a pipe at this time.
He loved to hunt, fish, and gather and prepare traditional foods of dry meat, corn, wild turnips, and berries. Grandma Brushorn taught him how to cut dry meat and make pemmican. He always made sure we had some on hand in case of an emergency.
George is survived by his wife, Helen; son, William; grandchildren, Erin Jade, who took care of both of her grandparent’s needs while they were hospitalized, Tamra, Marie Helen, Johnathan, and Ethan; his precious great-granddaughter, Sophia Grace Ricker, the light of his life; cousins Jack, Tom, Myra, and Dorothy Dupree and families, Nancy Burshia and families; nephews George (Porgie), George’s name sake, Donald Jr., and Alfred Walking Eagle, Michael and Rodney Burshia; nieces Patsy Two Bulls, Debbie and Junia Walking Eagle, Ann Burshia, Millie Salveson, Theda McCabe and families, Lydania Hagadone, Stacey Pipe, Denny Salveson and families; in-laws Dwight, Cary (Linda), Marvin (Renee), Josi (Rene), Lori Youpee and families, Larry Bussard, Marcella Red Thunder, Bruce Hanson, Vermae Taylor; adopted members Albert (Greek) Culbertson, Joan Broomfield, Phyllis Pond-Culbertson, Albert (Buzz) Kay Roberts, Janet Culbertson and families. George has many, many more nephews, nieces, cousins and grandchildren. He cared deeply about them and loved them all.
George was preceded in death by his son, George (Skay) Ricker Jr.; grandson, Baby Skay Ricker; his parents, Ted and Mildred Ricker; brothers, Ted Jr., Harry, and Sherman Ricker; sisters, Ida Walking Eagle, Catherine Walking Eagle, Faye Crowe, Delores Woods, and Kathleen (Tiny) Ricker; nephews, Frances (Tom) and Dave Ricker; grandchildren T.R. Salveson Claytina Whiteman; in-laws Williamette Youpee-Bussard, Allen, William, Danny, Florence and Gretchen Youpee.
George came from a large family and had a lot of happy memories of the good times he had as a young boy growing up. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 15, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 15, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Peggy Ricker says
My cuz, I love you like a brother and I’ll remember all the crazy laughs we had, you are home now with all of our relatives up there. Tell my dad I love him dearly and my sons, I miss them so much.
Rest now Georgie and may the Creator watch over your loved ones, Willy & Erin Jade and grandchildren.
I love you cuz,
Peggy
Cheryl Bighorn-Savior says
Thank you Grandpa George for always encouraging me and pushing me to do my best. I love you, will miss you and keep memories close to my heart. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to grandma Helen and family. Rest In Peace. Forever your “cowgirl” Cheryl
Shari Daniels says
Daniel’s family’s sends their depends condolences.
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Helen and family out prayers are with all of you
Stoney Anketell says
Helen and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of my close friend and your beloved George. We at the BIA were calling George “old bones” thirty years ago. He was a great part of the BIA team and was the guy we would go to when we needed to know the history on most any issue we were dealing with. George will be missed by all. Farewell old friend.
Vanessa Eagle says
Sincere condolences to Helen Ricker and sons from Georges cousins, the Eagle Family.
Cissy Eagleman says
George, I’m going to miss you. You have always been there for me since I can remember. You are now in the arms of God and walking the streets of heaven.
Prayers for God’s comfort to the family(s) of George. You are all in my prayers.
Laura Bleazard says
Helen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I know you have many wonderful memories of George and pray that will bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your heart. Our sincere condolences, Ross and Laura
Tara Douglas Ricker says
Condulances from me and my family. I always keep you in my heart Grandpa George. You had a caring understanding, loving heart and soul. My dad was the same way. I am proud and glad to be apart of the Ricker family. ❤ You always showed me love and concern. Tell them all I miss them and love them very much. We will see each other again one day. Love you always and forever.
Leanda & family says
Helen and Family!
We send our condolences and prayers for your family during this time. So sorry for your loss.
Leanda Birthmark and boys
The Buck Elk Families says
Condolences to the family of George. Rest In Peace.
Kay Culbertson says
I will miss you forever uncle! You have always been so sweet to me! I will miss sitting and visiting at your kitchen table. I made corn and dry meat soup for you. Rest In Peace!
Kay Culbertson and Jim Roberts
And “Tremor”
Tim J Zimmerman says
Prayers to Helen and family, he was a good friend, first got to know George when i worked with him when i was in high school pumping gas at Bob’s standard station,rip 🙏 George
Darrell White Eagle says
I remember workout with George at the BIA and how he was
always willing to help me with any project I was working on. When I visited Poplar and ran into George he would always keep me updated on what was happening? I will say a prayer for George and the family has my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Jackie Sandoval says
Helen & family, Sorry to hear of George‘a passing I had so much fun with him through out the years!!He was one special guy. Love to all. Jackie
Maurice Draszt says
Thanks for leaving Everyone with many wonderful Memories
Have a Great Journey
Prayers of Comfort
For Sissy, Willy and the Family
Sandra (Culbertson) Albertson says
Helen and family, sorry for your loss. Tho I haven’t seen George very recently. I remember when he came back from the service and took classes at the High School, he was always fun, quite the gentleman he was. May he rest in peace, God Bless you all. Love Sandra
Terry/Robert McAnally says
Our sincerest condolances to Helen and family. It is hard to lose one of our relatives. Offering prayers to Cousin Georges whole family. I’ll miss visiting with him. Wakan Tanka Niye Wast’e. Aho.