Ricki and Tara

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have been on DK for many years and made some incredible friendships along the way. Sometimes, people stop commenting and we lose track of them and wonder what happened. It is with a very heavy heart that I have to pass the word along that Ricki (of Ricki and Tara) died this morning. She had been ill for quite some time. When she told me that the doctors had not given her long to live, she asked me not to say anything and I have honored her wishes. Thankfully, before she died, her wonderful husband contacted me and dictated Ricki's thoughts to me. Ricki wanted to say goodbye to me and let me know I no longer had to keep her illness a secret. She also had this to say about DK, "Please let the DK'ers know how much I enjoyed their friendship, kindness and understanding as I traveled my Doodle journey with them."

So many people on here knew Ricki and knew her incredible sense of humor. She made me laugh many times with her quick wit and wicked sense of humor. Her dog, Tara, and her cat, Amber, were such joys in her life and many of us in the Photography group helped her get Tara a spot on the Doodle calendar and she was thrilled. We had many a laugh over discussions of Apple Cider Vinegar and that so many people didn't know if Tara was the dog or Ricki was the dog!  In one of her last emails to me, we were joking about Flat Laurie and she cracked up over a picture I sent her. I know Tara was a very good nurse for Ricki at the end and provided much comfort for her on her journey. I will miss her so much. Please say a prayer for her husband, Larry, and Tara and Amber. who loved her dearly and now must go on without her. 

Ricki asked her husband not to have a memorial service for her, but instead, if anyone wants to, she requested donations be sent to The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 5595 Pacific Hwy., Phoenix Oregon, 97535.  

It was just like Ricki to want to help animals in need. RIP my dear friend. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

A very sad moment for me. I remember her reaction to me getting Dexter, she was flabbergasted, though I didn't stop by oftenShe and I were doodles of one, bonded together (mostly due to our DH's). I will remember her fondly.
Rest in peace dear friend.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, Lisa! You have the perfect combination in Daisy and Dexter!

[Leslie J]

She was such a fun member of Doodlekisses. I remember all of her pictures for the calendar and all the comments helping her out!!! Her enthusiasm inspired me to try a little harder when taking photos of Cocoa.

I hope her family will find comfort in their memories of her.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, Leslie! That picture of Tara in the tree was so unique!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I LOVED that photo and tried to copy it with Ned - without success.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I haven't been by DK in awhile but  I remember many times a discussion would get going and Ricki would be on a roll.  Those apple cider discussions were hilarious.   She did have a wicked wit...  I'm so sorry for Larry, Tara her family, and for all of us who never met her but loved her just the same.   May she rest in peace.  Thank you Laurie. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

We had so much fun with those apple cider vinegar discussions. I think I might have sent her a recipe book or vice versa :) Thank you, Cheryl!

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a beautiful tribute to Ricki you have written Laurie. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. We had so much fun in the “old” days on DK. Ricki’s sense of humor was a good part of it. And how kind she was to think of DK in the end and to think of the animal shelter as well.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you, F! We did have so much fun in the old days. I can remember laughing in bed at night at something that got said by Ricki. She was such a fun person and will be missed. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

I miss the old days too. It was always fun and kept me laughing.

[Carol and Banjo]

I miss those days.....I so looked forward to getting on DK first thing in the morning to see what was new, checking in throughout the day....and invariably there was always something to laugh about.    

[Bonnie and Kona]

It certainly was fun!