Rhea Ricks Park

Rhea Ricks Park passed away peacefully at her home battling oral cancer on May 19, 2015, surrounded by her loved ones. Rhea was born June 28, 1930 as a twin, the sixth child of Theora Sarah Valentine Ricks and Earl Edwin Ricks in Moody Creek, Idaho. Also the great granddaughter of Thomas E. Ricks. Her early years were spent going to school in Teton, St. Anthony and Sugar Salem H.S. where she graduated. She met her husband Frank Eldon Park on a blind date. They were later married December 19, 1947 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Rhea and Frank were blessed with 5 children Noleen, Brent (who died shortly after birth), Brenda, Harlo, and Tammy. Rhea was a devoted member of the LDS church where she served in different callings. Rhea was a hard worker all of her life. She worked as a manager of the Arctic Circle in Rexburg, Idaho. Worked in several positions in the food lunch system including Ricks College also in the cafeteria at the Bountiful, Utah Temple for several years. Worked as a volunteer mentor to children at the Washington Elementary School in Bountiful, Utah. Where she was awarded the Weber Human Services Foster Grandparent Program Honors, for 5 years of loyalty, dedication and Compassionate Service. She was also a caregiver for the elderly. Rhea and Frank enjoyed creating many different craft items and going to craft fairs. She had an amazing talent in being able to make anything she put her mind to. For example, hot pads, baby dresses, scrubbers, beaded necklaces, bath matts, burper pads, baby blankets, and the list goes on. She could make or crochet anything! She had the gift of giving and getting to know people. Rhea always put the needs of family and others before herself.                                                                    

Rhea is survived by her daughters Noleen ( Robert W. Arbuckle), Brenda ( Allen Wilde), Tammy ( Mike Reiche), and son Harlo (Penny) Park. Sisters Ruth Stewart, Joyce Mickelson and brother Bert Ricks, 19 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren. Rhea is preceded in death by her husband Frank, her parents and 6 brothers Byron, Val, Norman, Milton, Keith and Vance. The family is very appreciative of the Hospice workers who assisted the family in providing loving service and kindness to Rhea.

A viewing will be held Monday evening,  May 25, 2015 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Russon Bros. Mortuary 295 N. Main in Bountiful, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the Bountiful 7th Ward Chapel 1250 S. Main, prior to the funeral services a viewing will be held at 9 to 9:45 a.m. Graveside service will be held Tuesday at 4:30 at the Sugar City Cemetery, Idaho.