We learned of the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Weleck Ricken on June 30, 2022. Her obituary was published by Messinger Mortuaries:

“Virginia “Ginny” Ricken – or as her grandchildren called her, Iya – spent the past 19 years in the southwest, where she unexpectedly passed away on June 30th 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona, just shy of her 80th birthday and having just celebrated 53 years of marriage with Don.

Ginny was born in Englewood, New Jersey. She led a beautiful life with her family growing up on the East Coast. She worked as an early childhood education teacher in various school programs, including the beginning of Head Start in NYC. She moved “west” in the early 1970s. 1975 was a big year for the Ricken family, growing from two to four with the adoption of Bryce in the spring, and the birth of Alex in the fall. They started their family of four in the suburbs of Chicago but at the end of 1975 they moved to the Detroit suburbs, and after several moves they settled in Rockford, IL. Over the years, these moves resulted in developing new groups of wonderful friends.

Throughout her life Ginny was a member of the Junior League and Newcomers organizations in every city that was the family’s new destination. Ginny made many close relationships through tennis, golf, and book clubs as well as through these organizations. In Rockford, Ginny and a new friend started a stained glass business which she enjoyed for many years. Ginny and her family developed a close group of friends at Abbey Springs, in Fontana, Wisconsin. They spent many weekends and summers enjoying new friends, the community and attractions around the Lake Geneva area.

In Don’s retirement they soon found the warmth of southwest living, moving from the Midwest and following their two sons who were living in Tempe, AZ. Within just a few years, Ginny and Don found themselves in their forever home in the Terravita Golf and Country Club.

Traveling was a great joy for Ginny from early childhood and throughout her marriage with Don, which included adventures in all 50 US states and many parts of the world. Her two sons and Don accompanied her on many of these trips.

Her loss is felt by the many friends who she shared such fun times with throughout her life. All who met Ginny felt loved and cared for her. She welcomed all who met her. She was a classy lady that people loved to be around. Her life was a testimony of the many long lasting friendships that were built over the years. She will be dearly missed by her husband Don Ricken and sons Bryce and Alex. Their families include Ari (wife of Bryce), granddaughter Erin Baldwin (daughter of Bryce), great grandchildren Miles and Eselia (children of Erin), and grandchildren Oliver, Elias, Sullivan, and Foster (sons of Alex and Lindsey). As well as Ginny’s brother William Weleck and wife Beth Anderson.

Ginny was the voice of reason and the loving heart to share the ups and downs of life. She never complained, was a kind soul, and she loved to share stories with her family and friends. Her hobbies included reading, photography, golf, playing canasta and mahjong, and eating sushi with her grandchildren. Her passing leaves a huge gap in the lives of her family, but this time of loss is also full of joy and celebration for the full life that Ginny/Iya/Mom lived so beautifully.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be sent to the Tgen Foundation or Foothills Caring Corps.”