Rose Evelyn Williams, lovingly known to nearly everyone as “Ricki,” was a woman who lived her life with a deep love for her family, her friends, and the simple things that brought joy to those around her.

Born in Cordova Alaska, Ricki carried a special love for the state throughout her life. She loved the outdoors, fishing, and especially the commercial fishing industry, where she spent part of her working life. Alaska was more than the place where she was born—it remained a special part of who she was. She loved and was great at fishing for halibut. Her pole hit the water before the anchor.

Her early years were spent on Guemes Island with her parents Harry and Helen. She was always with her parents and would nap on the chart table.

She graduated from Anacortes High in 1960 and married her love Joe in 1961. Then came her daughters Vicki and Brenda soon after. They were the Family 4, nicknamed for the CB radio (Barnacle Bill, Flipper, Dolly Varden and Sockeye Sue) Thoroughly enjoyed going up in the woods and rooting around in their cars with friends and family. Often pulling each other out of being stuck then having a well-deserved camp out. The girls also loved their memories with their mom at another frequented location, the beach.

Ricki was a foreman for Fisherman’s Packing Corp. She was a wizard with a fillet knife and was celebrated for being so fast. Then worked on boats in Alaska. The Maverick and her namesake the Ramblin’ Rose. Cooking for the crew and loved being on the water.

Ricki was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family fiercely and took great pride in caring for the people she loved. She was a stickler for cleanliness, and her daughters knew that they were expected to be clean and well cared for. She also loved to sew, and she made items for her daughters and grandchildren—a beautiful expression of the love and care she poured into her family.

The holidays were cherished by Ricki. She loved cooking wonderful holiday meals and, true to her spirited personality, she decorated her home for every holiday. Her decorations became something of a local tradition. People in the community knew her house for the joy and creativity she put into making it festive, and she loved sharing that spirit with everyone around her. Celebrating all holidays, St Patrick’s day with corn beef and cabbage for example. The family will miss her tuna sandwiches made just right.

Ricki had many passions. She loved bowling, dancing, solitaire, animals of every kind, and, perhaps most memorably, cows. She had a special fondness for them that became one of those endearing things her family and friends will remember about her. She also loved her lattes—and she liked them extra hot.

Ricki and her husband, Joe, shared a love of dancing. Together Friday and Saturday nights they enjoyed their time at the Elks Club in Anacortes, where they were longtime members and part of the community they loved. Part of the Emblem Club. Also involved in Beta Sigma Phi.

Those who knew Ricki will remember her for her love, her strong personality, her attention to detail, her generosity, and the many little traditions that made her unmistakably herself. She had a way of making her home, her holidays, and her family feel special.

Above all, Ricki loved her family and friends. Her life was woven into theirs through countless meals, holidays, sewing projects, fishing stories, collecting ivory, and everyday moments that may have seemed ordinary at the time but will now be treasured memories.

She leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply and who will carry her memory forward in all the ways she taught them to love, care, celebrate, and show up for one another.

Rose Evelyn “Ricki” Williams will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Ricki was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison and Helen St. Andre (Paulson); and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her beloved husband Joe Williams, two children, Victora “Vicki” Jevons and Brenda Hering; 5 grandchildren, Justin Carr, Jordan Carr, Melissa Hering Hall, Nel Hering and Gunner Hering; 5 great-grandchildren, Deegan Carr, Charlee Carr Reece Carr, Paityn Carr, and Hudson Carr; her sisters-in-law, Joan Majeski and Karen Danilov; and brother-in-law, Dan Williams; and many extended family members and dear friends who will continue to cherish her memory.

She will be remembered not only by those who called her Rickimom, but by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Please bookmark this direct link to check on updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/ricki-williams