IOWA FALLS — Virginia “Ginny” Ricke, an educator, civil rights advocate, real estate professional and enthusiastic traveler whose life carried her from an Iowa farm to classrooms and adventures around the country, died peacefully Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Iowa Falls. She was 85.
Ginny was born March 31, 1941, on a farm north of Williams, Iowa, the daughter of Laurence and Marie Froehlich Ricke. She graduated from Williams High School before enrolling at Ottumwa Heights College.
According to her obituary, Ginny entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary and became known as Sister Mary Laurence. She later taught school in Minneapolis and took an active role in the civil rights movement.
Ginny eventually moved west to Colorado, where she continued teaching before beginning a second career in real estate. While living there, she met Dee Croker, and the two began a life together filled with travel, friendship and adventure.
They explored the country in their camper, rarely passing up an opportunity to visit friends or make new ones along the way. Ginny also developed a passion for fly fishing and became skilled at tying her own flies.
In 1993, Ginny and Dee moved to Ames to be nearer to their families. The move gave Ginny more opportunities to share stories from their travels and to enjoy her cherished role as “favorite aunt” Ginny.
Her obituary notes that she enjoyed dining at her favorite restaurants and was always ready to meet family or friends for lunch or dinner.
Ginny is survived by her brother, John Ricke; sisters, Ramona Welden and Diane Castor; and 14 nieces and nephews.
No public funeral or memorial service information was included in the published arrangements.
WOODLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY of Iowa Falls is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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