Kenneth "Kenny" Ricks, 94, of Rochester passed away at 8:30 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Woodlawn Hospital.

On May 24, 1926, Kenneth was born in Francesville to Chester and Blanche Archer Ricks. As one of five children he shared his childhood with three sisters and a brother.

Kenny and Mary Emma Murfitt were married on July 15, 1951 in the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church. They shared 62 years of life's adventures. Mary passed away on October 8, 2013.

The young Ricks family moved to the Fulton County community in the 1960's. As a team, Kenny and Mary managed the family farm.  In the early years, they hand milked a fine herd of over 60 Holsteins. They farmed over 500 acres, planting, making hay and harvesting. In addition to the cows, they cared for pigs, ducks, goats and sheep.

Livestock auctions, sales and working on machinery kept Kenny very busy. He was well liked and well known in the Amish communities. He assisted them with transportation.

Square dancing on Saturday nights in Plymouth and Delong was always enjoyed. Traveling and camping in the motor home was a great time to visit family and friends. Their favorite destinations were Florida, North Carolina and South Dakota.

Left to cherish the memories of Kenny are four daughters: Geneva Bickerstaff of Winamac,  Nancy White of Plymouth, Joy Hornburger of Kewanna, Rosemary Mandarino and husband Jerry of Chattanooga, TN ; a son, Jim Ricks and wife Janet of Culver;  16  grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and  several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Kenny in death are his parents; wife;  grandson Nicholas White; three sisters: Betty Daugherty, Fern O'Neil, Evelyn Norris; and a brother, Ernest Ricks.

Private family services will be held. Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery.