Zelda Rae Rickman

February 5, 1922 ~ July 10, 2023

Zelda Rae Rickman went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the age of 101 years old, with her family close by her. Zelda was born on February 5, 1922 to Eythel (Poe) and Travis Bartee. Her father was a farmer and rancher and her mother a housewife. Zelda was one of seven children and being the eldest daughter, made her the second mom to four of her younger siblings. She attended Blackwell High School in Blackwell, Texas. In 1940, Zelda and Orrin Richard Rickman meet and were married in Abilene, Texas. Even though Orrin was born and raised Colorado, he was stationed in Texas when they meet. They had 45 years years together before his passing in 1985 and they were stationed in Japan and several different locations in Europe during Orrin's military career. There were two children born to them, Travis and Gary. Later on, Zelda was blessed with three grandchildren and one great grandchild. After Orrin's retirement from the US Army in 1965 at the rank of Master Sargent and a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, they spent several years traveling around the continental US and Alaska in their Airstream trailer. Zelda had several different jobs while Orrin was overseas during the war. One of the most interesting was being one of the original "Rosie The Riveter" ladies who worked in aircraft factories and shipyards supporting the war efforts. Zelda worked inside aircraft wings during assembly as a Rivet Bucker, securing rivets during manufacturing. Zelda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Moore where she was a member of the choir and the Travel Leader for the "Good Timers", a group of senior church members who traveled all over the states and other countries. She loved to paint, garden, and RV camping. There were many memorable changes during Zelda's lifetime in ways she never imagined, such as the prevalence of cars and airplanes, the advent of television, cell phones and computers, not to mention the Great Depression, wars, births, deaths and reunions. I'm sure if Zelda was still living, she would have many words of wisdom for us all. In 2022, Zelda was inducted into the "Centenarians Of Oklahoma Hall of Fame", Norman Chapter #2708, at the age of 100.

Zelda was preceded in death by her:

Parents - Travis and Ethel Bartee;

Husband of 45 years - Orrin Rickman;

Four brothers;

One sister;

Son, Travis Rickman;

Daughters-in-law: Jane Rickman and June Rickman;

Great Grandson - Calvin Rickman.

Zelda leaves behind her loving family:

Son - Gary Rickman;

Granddaughter - Melissa Rickman;

Grandson - Garrett Rickman;

Granddaughter-in-law - Lauren Rickman-Kwak;

Grandson-in-law - Brian Kwak;

Many other loving family and dear friends.