Melba Ree (Mahon) Rickman was born August 8, 1928, in Loraine, TX., and died December 6, 2021, in Lubbock, TX. She was the fourth of five children and the only daughter born to John Bryan Mahon and Nola Mae (Muns) Mahon. She grew up in Loraine, graduating from High School there, before attending McMurry College in Abilene, TX. There she made many dear and life-long friends, especially Jesse C. Rickman, whom she married August 28, 1948.
Following their marriage, the couple settled for a short time in Lubbock before moving to Colorado City, TX., for a few years and giving birth to their first two children, Karen and Mark. J.C.’s work then took the young family to Amarillo, TX., where their other two children, Scott and Tim, were born.
The opportunity to become Business Manager of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, brought J.C. and the young family to Lubbock in 1958. While J.C. was busy learning about the world of newspapers, Melba was busy rearing four children and becoming increasingly involved in church and civic organizations. As the children grew, Melba devoted more time to teaching many children (including some of her children and, later, grandchildren) to play piano. She also became a pre-K and kindergarten teacher for several years before becoming a local realtor.
Shortly after beginning her work in realty, J.C. died of heart issues in 1980. Enduring the shock and grief of her loss, Melba found her footing in real estate. She began her work with Pat Garrett Realtors but worked most of her years in realty with Westmark Realtors, where she was prized for her hard work and integrity, earning several local awards, including Westmark’s Realtor of the Year.
Throughout her life, Melba pursued her love of music, singing solos in many settings even as a young woman and growing in her skills as an accomplished pianist. She was a life-long member of The United Methodist Church and a devoted choir member of every church where she was a member. She was a dedicated member of the Chancel Choir of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lubbock, TX., for more than 50 years.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband, J.C., in 1980 and her son, Scott, in 2016. Of her four siblings, she is survived by her younger brother, Gordon Mahon, of Lubbock, TX. She is survived by three of her four children: Karen (Rickman) Miller and Gary Miller of Germantown, TN.; Mark Rickman of Tulsa; Scott’s widow, Patti Rickman, of Lubbock, and Tim Rickman of Lubbock. In addition to her children, she is survived by twelve grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Melba/Mom/Mimi, leaves behind a devoted and loving family, as well as a host of friends, who will always love her dearly and think highly of her. She will be deeply missed by those who give thanks for her life of faith and caring.
Visitation will be held in Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel Friday, December 10 from 5pm to 7pm.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church Saturday, December 11 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Choral Scholars Fund at St. John’s United Methodist Church of Lubbock.
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