August 10, 1936 – April 13, 2024
Margaret “Peggy” Mary (Orton) Ricker, 87, Noblesville, passed away peacefully at her home on April 13, 2024. She was born on August 10, 1936, in Waukesha, Wis., to the late Hugh T. and Anne Marie (Torer) Roberts. In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her first husband, Jim Orton, one brother, one sister, and one nephew.
Peggy, as she was known by all, was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be missed dearly. She graduated from Brodhead High School in 1954. After graduation she worked as a reporter for the Monroe Evening Times in Monroe, Wis. She also worked as a nurse’s aide at the Monroe Clinic. Peggy met the first love of her life, James R. Orton, in April of 1956 and they were married six months later on October 14, 1956, in Brodhead, Wis. They were married for 36 years until the time of Jim’s death in March of 1993. Together they had four children, James Jr. (Sherry) of Hayward, Wis., Sandy (Dave) Simons of Hudson, Wis., Connie Orton of Indiana, and Scott (Shelly) Orton of Hayward. Peggy and Jim lived their first 13 years of marriage in Monroe, Wis. where Peggy was an Administrative Assistant for The Swiss Colony.
In 1969, they moved their family to Hayward, Wis. Peggy was an active member of the local Christian Women’s Club which eventually led to a 20-year speaking opportunity traveling throughout the Midwest. She was also an Executive Staff Member of Governor Tommy Thompson’s Northern Office. While in Hayward she loved to fish, hunt, golf and volunteer at Hayward Wesleyan Church and her community. A few years after Jim’s death, Peggy moved to Brooksville, Fla., and built a home in Wesleyan Village.
On March 28, 1998, she married the second love of her life, Reverend James J. Ricker. Peggy and Jim have spent the entirety of their retired years ministering and serving in the name of Christ on a local, national, and global level, including four extended African and South American mission trips. In 2020, Jim and Peggy left Florida and moved to Indiana to be closer to family. Peggy was known for her servant’s heart and hands, and was always more than willing to work hard, listen well and love and care for those around her. She loved the Lord with all her heart and wanted to share His love with her family, friends and strangers alike.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Jim Ricker, her four children, three stepdaughters, Becky (Pete) Pardue of Cape Coral, Fla., Jody (Rick) Herring of Noblesville, Ind., and Debbie Graham of Noblesville; a brother, Hugh (Beth) Roberts of Lakeland, Fla, 23 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, with a memorial service honoring Peggy’s life following at Village Park Bible Methodist Church, 219 W. 161st St., Westfield, Ind.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Unitas International, P.O. Box 506, Shirley, IN 47384; Frankfort Camp Ministries, 1058 W. Freeman St., Frankfort, IN 46041; or Village Park Bible Methodist Church. Flowers and gifts may be delivered to the church from 8 until 10 a.m.
For additional information and to view Peggy’s online obituary and video tribute, please visit churchfuneralsdirect.com.