Gary Craig Ricks

Gary Craig Ricks, 73, of Plano, Idaho passed away February 6, 2024 when his loving heart stopped beating.

Craig was a most beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Craig loved his association with his family and friends.

Craig was born on April 9, 1950, in Rexburg, Idaho to Orson Franklin Ricks and Nina Irene Clements. Craig grew up in a home where unconditional love and hard work was a constant in the their lives. He graduated from Madison High School and went on to attend Ricks College.

He married Julie Morgan on April 20, 1972, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Wendy, Brett, Vaun and Sandy. Craig and Julie were later divorced in 1980.

Craig’s life work has mostly been in parts for dealerships. He has lived in Florida, Meridian, Middleton, Nampa, Caldwell, West Valley, Sandy, Rock Springs and finally back home to Hibbard, and eventually in Plano.

On April 9, 1981 Craig married Phyllis Jackson. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in January 1989. She had five children; Donald, Kamilynn and Aaron, were adopted by Craig. Damon and Christopher were not able to be adopted however he raised all five children as his own. LeAnna was born to them in 1982.

Phyllis passed away from cancer on February 20, 1997.

Craig married Kathy Davies on August 15, 1998 for time in the Idaho Falls Temple. He inherited four more children, Dan, Doug, Debbie and Dustin. All of these children love him, accept him and appreciate him immensely.

Craig enjoyed singing with the choir in our many changing wards, and ministering to families he had a deep love for.

His hobbies included woodworking, making toys and games for kids. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with family, monthly Family Home Evening with siblings and adult reunions. Game nights with family and friends, or putting together a puzzle was a source of joy. Like his brothers, Craig enjoyed telling good jokes, playing “ROOK”, a Ricks family tradition – serving others – always serving others – seeing the joy and pleasure of others enjoying his wooden treasures.

Craig was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life.

He never passed up an opportunity to be generous with his time, money, talents and love. Even if he was going to be late, he would always stop to assist someone at the side of the road.

Craig is survived by his wife, Kathy, 14 children, Wendy (Jason) Parker, Brett (Amy) Ricks, Vaun (Stephanie) Ricks, Sandy (Brad) MacLaury, Donald (Nadia) Young, Kamilynn Wanstrom, Aaron (Ellie) Young, Damon (Diana) Loosli, Christopher (Jessica) Loosli, LeAnna (Alex) Rhodes, Dan (Melanie) Davies, Doug (Audrey) Davies, Debbie (Steve) Larsen, Dustin (Janae) Davies. He is also survived by 57 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Along with his four sisters, Maureen Seegmiller, Karen Pincock, Patsy (Garth) Harker, Lynette Miller.

He is preceded in death by his second wife, Phyllis, his parents, two sisters, Ethelyn Ricks and Joanne Ward, three brothers, Bruce Ricks, Kimber Ricks and Cecil Ricks, brothers-in-law Marvin Miller and Glade Pincock, Dennis Seegmiller, Sisters-in-law Marla Ricks and Peggy Ricks, and a grandson, Richard Michael Davies.