Mary Emma Ricks, 82, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, October 8th, in her son's home. Born on July 9, 1931, in Leiter's Ford, Mary Emma Murfitt was a cherished daughter of Charley E. and Florence Cline Murfitt. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Rosella and Charlotte, and two brothers, Edward and Guy. In May of 1949, with great pride, Mary graduated from Leiter's Ford High School. Mary and Kenneth Charles Ricks were married on July 15, 1951 in the Leiter's Ford United Methodist Church. They enjoyed 62 years of life's adventures while raising a son Jim and 4 daughters Geneva, Joy, Nancy and Rosemary. The family tree flourished with the added blessings of 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. A true farmer's wife, Mary was always in the thick of things. Overseeing the domestic chores, in the earlier years she assisted Kenny with the milking operation, hand milking a fine herd of over 60 Holsteins. Their family farm was situated on 160 acres, but they farmed over 500 acres total. Mary drove the tractor to plant, make hay, assist with the harvest and ground feed. In addition to the cows, they cared for pigs, ducks, goats, sheep and even a temperamental peacock that occasionally got testy. From her kitchen command post, Mary was at home. Whether it was a feast for a family celebration or a buffet for the hired help during the harvest, Mary could always put out a delicious spread. She was best remembered for her hot apple pies just out of the oven and her homemade noodles cut to perfection. To relax Mary would embroider and quilt baby quilts. She made plastic canvass ornaments and whirly gigs that twirled in the gentle breeze. On Saturday evenings she and Kenny would travel to Plymouth or Delong to square dance. They also enjoyed traveling and camping out in the comfort of their motor home. Favorite destinations were North Carolina, Florida and South Dakota where they visited family and special friends. Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband Kenny, 4 daughters: Geneva Bickerstaff of Mesa, AZ, Nancy White of Plymouth, Joy Hornburger and companion Roger Haines of Kewanna, Rosemary Mandarino and husband Jerry of Casa Grande, AZ a son: Jim Ricks and wife Janet of Culver; 16 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; a sister Rosella Felts of Akron; several nieces and nephews and her canine companion "Little One," a Rat Terrier. Preceding Mary in death are her parents, a grandson: Nicholas White, a sister: Charlotte Chapman, 2 brothers: Guy Murfitt, killed in action during WWII, and Edward Murfitt. Rev. Bob Metzger will officiate services. Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery.