Ricka Deaton Blackwell, daughter of the late Mable and Claude T. Deaton, Sr., was born November 2, 1926, at home in Memphis. She peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on May 5, 2026, at the age of 99½ at her home in Martin, TN, surrounded by loved ones.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Claude T. Deaton, Jr., grandson, Christopher McDonald; and husband, Billy Blackwell. Named after her maternal grandmother, Ricka Lov Palmquist, who immigrated from Sweden to Memphis at age 16, she married her childhood sweetheart, at age 17, and their marriage was blessed for 70 years.
She was the cherished mother, grandma, and GG to Ted (Elaine) Blackwell; Ricka Blackwell (Don) McDonald; grandchildren Deaton (Breanne) Blackwell, Maggie Blackwell, Ricka (Christopher) Davis, and Jay (Jennifer) McDonald; and great-grandchildren Bradley Blackwell, William Blackwell, Larsson Davis, and Annie McDonald. She is also survived by three nephews: Terry (Gretchen) Deaton, Chet Deaton, and Bobby Deaton.

After marriage, Ricka and Billy lived in various cities due to his Navy career as a carrier pilot during World War II and the Korean Conflict. After the wars ended, they were active in the Memphis-area Jaycees and Jaycettes (now the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce), with Ricka serving one year as President. She worked as church secretary at Immanuel Lutheran Church and later at the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod in Memphis. She traveled extensively with Billy's company organizing offices and truly loved doing this, often taking her children along for the fun.

When Billy later took a job in sales, they moved to Georgia, where Ricka worked at Hangar One Airport in Atlanta as secretary to the president. In the mid-1970s, they moved to Martin, and started a window manufacturing business.

Ricka enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including horseback riding and hunting in Miss. during her youth, sports and horse racing, flying with Billy, painting, and playing bridge. She was a former member of the Music Guild and the Fortnightly Clubs in Martin, along with her bridge group. She also faithfully served as treasurer and SS superintendent at Faith Lutheran Church.

A lifelong LCMS Lutheran, she loved the Lord and was excited to meet Him. Her favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service, at Faith Lutheran Church LCMS, 2012 E. Reelfoot Ave, Union City, TN. Interment will be Wednesday, May 13, at 1:00 p.m. at West TN Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, where she will be buried with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to either Faith Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Christopher McDonald. (Please note: flowers are not allowed at the TN Veterans Cemetery.)