Mary was born to Paul and Linda Ricks on December 27, 1975, in Rexburg, Idaho. Mary graduated from Madison High School in 1994 and received her associate degree in Office Education from Ricks College in 1998. Mary continued to take classes in Early Childhood Education, and later on in life was able to work with little children at Joyful Journey Preschool. Mary found great purpose and joy in raising her four children as a homemaker. Her family likes to say over the years she got her Ph.D. in showing love.
She was married to Troy Miller in 1995 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They lived in many places over the years From Idaho Falls, ID to Fort Collins, CO to Rexburg, ID to Fruita, CO.
Mary is survived by her husband Troy; four children: Alex (Maren), Spencer, Veniece, and Trevin; and her grandson Miles whom she adores. She is also survived by her parents, Paul, and Linda Ricks, and six siblings: Bruce Ricks, Jason Ricks, Nancy Nielsen, Glade Ricks, Marilyn Anderson, and Carl Ricks. Mary was preceded into death by her sister Veniece Ricks.
Mary loved her family very much; family was the most important thing to her. She was a gatherer, always getting family, extended family, and friends together to have fun and laugh. Mary’s mantra was “show your love” and she lived it in every sense of the word. Mary was constantly performing service acts for those she loved and strangers alike. Most of her service acts took place when Mary herself was suffering from a long battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was always the first to be a friend, drop heart-shaped food at someone’s doorstep, or send a loving note. Mary was an example of Christlike love to all who had the privilege of coming into contact with her. In her last few days, Mary’s service to others did not stop, Mary lived a Christlike life to the end. Mary loved pink and hearts so much that she wore pink every day, she would say “pink makes me happy so why would I not wear it?” In fact, the nurses knew Mary as the pink lady. One would be hard-pressed to find an item of clothing that was not pink in Mary’s closet.
The viewing will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at the LDS Meeting House (2235 Kingston Rd Grand Junction, CO 81507). The funeral proceedings will follow at 11 a.m. The funeral will be broadcast for those who would like to participate remotely. In honor of Mary, the family asks you wear something pink.
The graveside service will take place on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Rexburg Cemetery in Rexburg, ID (350 West Moran View Drive Rexburg, ID 83440).
In lieu of sending flowers, Mary and her family ask you to perform an act of service for someone like Mary would and/or donate in support of Primary Children’s Hospital.
