Diana L. "Dee Dee" Ricker, age 61 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2016 at her residence after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was happy to be back in her own home with her family at her bedside. She was born August 6, 1954 in Elwood the daughter of Herman Loren and Mary Patricia (Laster) Boyer. She retired in 2012 from Kollsman-Elbit Systems Co. where she was a Microsoft Desktop Analyst for more than 25 years. Dee Dee was a 1972 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later attended New Hampshire Technical College and Hesser College in New Hampshire. She married the love of her life, Thomas E. Ricker, on December 8, 1978. Her and Tom enjoyed living in New Hampshire for more than 33 years, but were ultimately happy to return home to Elwood to be closer to family. She was a member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood; formerly volunteered in private home health care; and also formerly worked at Wal-Mart in Kokomo for several years. Dee Dee was an avid reader, and had worked diligently to compile a large family cookbook of recipes. Above all else, she will be remembered for being devoted to her family and friends. Her family would like to thank many special family members and Premier Hospice for the support and care they provided for Dee Dee during her illness.

Dee Dee's living family includes her husband of more than 37 years, Thomas E. Ricker of Elwood; daughter, Nichelle M. (husband Michael) Young of Elwood; son, Raymond T. (fiance' Cynthia Riveria) Ricker of Elwood; sister, Debra L. (husband Jim) Morrow of Elwood; 8 grandchildren, Natashia, Brian, Raielle, Chris, Raice, Luis, Ninoshka, and Peter; 4 great-grandchildren, Serena, Khaulyn, Tai, and Alice; aunts, Carol (husband Max) Laster-Johnson and Julie Boyer; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; and beloved dog, "Gidget". She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Douglass Boyer.

A memorial service celebrating Dee Dee's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. There will be no visitation. Private burial will take place at a later date by her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.