Obituary of Marsha Jean Ricke
Marsha J. Ricke, 66, of Titusville, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, April 9th, 2018 surrounded by family.
Marsha was born on October 28, 1951 to Dorothy Nirmaier and the late George Nirmaier, Sr. in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated in 1969 from Parma High School in Parma, Ohio and moved to Titusville a year later to attend the University of Pittsburgh in Titusville.
She lived in Titusville for over forty-five years, and considered Titusville her home. She appreciated the natural beauty of the area and loved watching the seasons change.
Marsha started her family in 1973, and dedicated the next fourteen years to raising her children, Joseph, Melissa, and Jennifer. She was actively involved in all parts of her children’s lives and activities. She loved being a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and never tired of reading books, writing poetry, baking cookies, sled riding, biking, walking, and being with others. She found joy in everything she did and greeted each day with a sweet and indomitable spirit facing challenges and disappointments with hope and love.
In December 1987, Marsha started working as a secretary at Titusville Junior High School. She was excited to return to work and deeply committed to the pursuit of education. She always found ways to support those she worked with and the students around her and enjoyed being part of the school community. In 1996, she moved to the Titusville Area School District Administration Building, Scheide House, where she worked until her retirement on October 31st, 2013. Scheide house was a second home to Marsha and she welcomed all who entered with a caring and genuine smile. Marsha worked for the Titusville Area School District for twenty-six years.
She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Titusville and served as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. Her strong faith in God was a driving force in her life and she committed many hours to attending church, studying her bible and communing with others.
Marsha was a kind and giving person and put her family and her friends first throughout her life. Her concern for others reached beyond her family and into the community around her. She volunteered for school and church activities and participated in the Relay for Life organized yearly by the American Cancer Society. She loved to talk with others and truly cared about all those she encountered.
She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Nirmaier of Centerville; two daughters, Jennifer Wright and husband Andrew of Pittsburgh, and Melissa Ricke-Chipili of Maputo, Mozambique, Africa; a son, Joseph Ricke and Kiev Hargest of Titusville; five grandchildren, Austin, Hunter, Sagel, and Greyson Ricke, and Frida Wright; two sisters, Cathy Downing and husband Curt and Gloria Schweitzer and husband John both of Centerville; five brothers, George Nirmaier, Jr. and wife Kim of Townville, Ronald Nirmaier and wife Cheryl of Little Cooley, Michael Nirmaier and wife Tracy of Pleasantville, Gary Nirmaier and wife Shelia of Union City, and William Nirmaier and wife Jackie of Williamsburg, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Darryl Nirmaier.
Friends and family may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville, PA 16354, on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. The funeral service will be held there on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 1 PM with Dr. Barry Cressman officiating.
Interment will be in Rootville Cemetery, Centerville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or to Amedisys Hospice, 109 Crossroads Rd., Suite 400, Scottdale, PA 15683.
