Beechler, Carol Ricker
At sunrise on October 25, 2024 our beloved mom, Carol Lee Ricker Beechler, left this world and joined our dad in the kingdom of Heaven. Born on December 21, 1937 in Detroit, MI, she lived in the area until moving with her parents and sister (Jackie) to Fresno, CA in 1939.
In 1948 her family moved back to St. Johns, MI and welcomed little brother (Jon) to the fold in 1949. High School/College sweethearts (RDW High School/University of Michigan) onward, mom and dad married in 1958 (Ft. Benning, GA) before shipping off to Germany with the US Army (1957-1959). While there, mom met and shook hands with Pfc Elvis Presley, (US Army). This remained one of her fondest memories of all time.
After returning to the US in 1959 mom and dad settled in St. Johns, MI to raise their growing family. In 1971 they moved to Virginia (Christiansburg) with Federal Mogul Corp (dad) and mom began her career, 1st as a court reporter, then as the Montgomery Co VA Circuit Court Deputy Clerk until her retirement in 2000. That same year mom and dad built their dream house in Floyd Co, VA where they happily lived for the remainder of their lives.
After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimers mom gained her wings, riding upon the glorious crescent moon sent by God to her heavenly home. She will be missed by so many but not forgotten. We love you mom.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas W. Beechler; parents, Lilyan and Joseph Ricker; sister-in-law, Lisa Harlow Ricker; brothers-in-law, Sam Dollar, Ron Cobb and Wendell Workman; and niece, Linda Dollar Frost.
Carol is survived by her children, Robin (Steve) Ball, Scott (Karen) Beechler, Rhonda Beechler Link; siblings, Jacquelin Dollar and Jon Ricker; sisters-in-law, Jan Beechler Workman and Chris Beechler Cobb; grandchildren, Shelli (Andy) Sayers, SFC Thomas(Jennifer) Stevens, Matthew Beechler, Karli Beechler, Joseph (Jenna) Link Samantha Link, Hannah Link, Steven (Rikki) Ball; great-grandchildren, Lilyan Sayers, Virginia Sayers, Cash Stevens, Zelma Stevens, Harlo Stevens Corinne Link; and nieces and nephews, John Daine) Dollar, Laura (Mark) Sarno, Kelley Frost, Patrick Frost, Grace Frost, Corbin (Jacqueline) Ricker, Collin Ricker, Vivian Ricker, Valerie Ricker, Jody Motz, Susy Workman, Jeff Workman. She is also survived by very special family and friends, Helen Ball Harris, Anthony Ball, Tammy Cox, John Beechler, Jamie Dowdy, Jo Wakefield and her constant and loving companion dog Marshall.
Special thanks to the extraordinary Carilion Hospice Team who cared for our mom with such care, compassion, love and dignity.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in our mom’s honor to the NRV Carilion Hospice and /or The Alzheimers Association of your Choice.
A memorial service will be held for our mom and dad in the spring of 2025.
