Essie Lorene Rickert

Essie Lorene Rickert, daughter of the late Riley and Thula Jane (Luffman) Bryant, was born February 27, 1924 in Dover, Tennessee. At the age of 12, Essie and her family moved to Belleville, Illinois by covered wagon. She attended school there and met the love of her life, Robert John Rickert. On May 1, 1943, Essie and Robert were united in marriage and just celebrated 69 years of marriage together. They were blessed with three children, Barbara, John and Pamela. Essie was a hardworking lady and helped provide for her family throughout her lifetime. She began her working career in a dress factory in Belleville but what really makes her stand out was the way she took care of and provided for her family in the absence of Bob during his military career. After obtaining her beautician license in Omaha, Nebraska, the family relocated to the Ft. Leonard Wood area in 1959. Here is where she pursued her profession and opened up the Pink Lady Salon in St. Robert. She eventually became the manager of the beauty shop at Ft. Leonard Wood. After Bob retired from the military here at Ft. Leonard Wood, they made their home in Buckhorn. She still did hair for many years out of her home but eventually the wood craft business became her passion. She began creating and painting wood crafts for the business her and Bob started out of their home; Unique Crafts. She had a flair for making faces come alive in all the Christmas and holiday wood crafts she created. Essie and Bob enjoyed traveling for a time in their RV and spent many weekends on the road at regional craft fairs. She was always looking for that special something that would stand out then add her special touch to make it unique. In their retirement years whenever the grandchildren would come by you would always find Essie painting at the kitchen table. She always had time to give attention to them by reciting a favorite story, poem or placing dab or paint on them for fun. Easter was always special for her when all the grandchildren would show up to dye eggs in her kitchen; making the eggs all unique with whatever craft detail she would come up with that year. “Can we spend the night?” was always a question by many grandchildren, and the answer no was hardly ever spoken concerning that. She always enjoyed watching Bob Ross painting videos and learning some new painting technique she could use in her craft creations. Essie was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in St. Robert, Missouri. The love she showed to her family and friends will always be remembered. Essie passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Life Care Center of Waynesville having attained the age of 88 years, 3 months and 5 days. Essie leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Robert, of the home; three children, Barbara Shaw, of Stoutland, MO, John Rickert and wife, Sandra, of St. Robert, MO, and Pam Houston and husband, Ernest, of Dixon, MO; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson; two brothers, Leroy Bryant of the State of Florida, and Riley Bryant, Jr. of the State of Illinois; two sisters, Rose Grable of the State of Florida, and Faye Ellwood of Richland, MO; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Essie was preceded in death by two sisters: Ruth Bryant and Lucille Price; and son-in-law: William Shaw. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of St. Robert with Bishop Tripp officiating. Jason Medows opened the service with prayer. The congregation sang “Aibde with Me; Tis Eventide”, “Amazing Grace”, and “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”. Elder William Oberholtzer recalled his wonderful memories of Essie and President Herman Blau presented words of comfort to those in attendance. The final prayer was given by Jean Dilmore. Serving as escorts were Steven, Jimmy, Travis and Wesley Houston, Alex Turley, Rob Rickert and Jeffery Shaw. Burial followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Essie Rickert to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left at the funeral home.

Essie Lorene Rickert

February 27, 1924 - June 2, 2012