Topeka Capital-Journal; Topeka KS; 2011-08-19


Betty Louise RICKSON was born January 5, 1925 in Avilla MO. In 1927 she
moved with her parents, Robert and Bessie LAKE, to the Ashland Bottoms
area south of Manhattan KS. At age 13 she moved into Manhattan to live
and work at the Jolly Nursing Home in order to attend Manhattan High
School from which she graduated in 1942.

She married Sgt Herman E KIDD from Beaver Falls PA on February 6, 1943.
They were the parents of two daughters, Diana Louise and Cheryl Eileen.
He preceded her on January 20, 1945. She married Ladd KEEFOVER, a former
high school classmate, on January 5, 1946, and they became the parents
of a son, Robert R KEEFOVER. They resided in the Manhattan area, Clay
Center (KS), and Topeka (KS). They divorced in 1966.

Betty married Warren G RICKSON December 16, 1967 in Manhattan and resided
on their farm north of Randolph KS where they raised their son, Jeffrey
G RICKSON. In 1988 they moved to Manhattan where they lived until moving
to Topeka in 2005 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Betty was a very involved and supportive mother who encouraged her
children in their education and activities, including instrumental and
vocal music, 4-H, Girl and Boy Scouts, and various sports. She was an
active member of a Methodist Church wherever she resided, lastly the
First United Methodist Church in Manhattan. Betty passed away August 17,
2011 at Homestead of Auburn, Auburn KS.

She is survived by her husband Warren RICKSON of the home in Topeka;
her children, Diana HENTZLER LAUER and husband John of Topeka, Cheryl
JACKSON and husband Bob of Harveyville (KS), Bob KEEFOVER and wife
Jane of Spring TX, and Jeffrey RICKSON of Topeka; her grandchildren,
Bret HENTZLER and wife Susan, Tamela MURDOCK and husband Lawrence, Tim
JACKSON, Steve JACKSON and wife Carole, Brooke HENTZLER ROARK and husband
Brendon, Amy KEEFOVER HICKS and husband Anthony, and Diana JACKSON;
and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Gerald
LAKE; and a sister Karen McKEEMAN and husband Mike, both of Manhattan;
and many nieces and nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by
a grandson David KEEFOVER in 2009; and a brother Melvin LAKE in 1993.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30a Saturday, August 20, 2011 at
the Ashland Community Church southeast of Manhattan with visitation
after the service. A graveside service will be at 2:00pm at the Randolph
Fancy Creek Cemetery north of Randolph. Respect calls may be made anytime
Friday at the Holmes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley KS. Memorials have
been established for the American Parkinson Disease Assn, 501 N 87th
St, Suite 207, Omaha NE 68114; and the Midland Care Hospice Services,
200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.