Nov. 6, 1930-Feb. 26, 2023
Ricky was born in Rockford, IL, delivered by her physician father. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. A. Howard Erickson and Marie (Richardson) Erickson, brother A. Howard Jr. and sister, Mary Jane Turner.
She is survived by her brother Paul Erickson, Rockford, IL, her husband of 51 years, Robert A. McDaniel of Ridgway, CO, daughter Julie Cunningham of Ajijic, Mexico, sons Dan Cunningham of Volcano, HI, and Don Cunningham of Ormond Beach, FL.
Survivors also include Robert’s three children, Barbara Roberts (Dave) Atlanta, GA, Tom Mc-Daniel (Claudia) Ridgway, CO and Jan McDaniel Daytona Beach, FL.
Ricky also leaves behind two granddaughters, Leslie McDonel of New York, NY, Amy Vigilante (Chris) of Santa Barbara, CA, two great grandsons Leo and Felix Vigilante of Santa Barbara, CA, and two grandsons, Shawn McDaniel of Katy, TX, and Jonathan McDaniel of Montrose, CO.
Ricky loved people and her life was complete with those relationships and her persistent interest in so many things. Anyone that knew her would agree that she lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed playing bridge, mahjong and poker with her numerous good friends. The guys from the poker group admiringly referred to her as “The Hammer”.
Early on, Ricky lived in Daytona Beach, FL, when she was married to Gary Cunningham (deceased) and learned to play golf very well, was active in the Garden Club while raising their three children, and learned to fly — together they owned an airplane which she piloted frequently. Later, she shared this love of flying with Robert, who also had a pilot’s license. After she and Robert were married, Ricky returned to school to become a registered nurse. She worked at Halifax Hospital on the Oncology floor and then went to work for Upjohn Home Healthcare as a visiting nurse. Her final nursing years were spent working for an internist, Dr. Richard Snodgrass.
She loved to read and write poetry, creating her annual rhyming Christmas letter for almost 50 years.
Ricky and Robert discovered Ridgway in 1978 at the invitation of Robert’s flying club friend, David Wine. After one visit, they were hooked on the beauty and purchased 35 acres on Miller Mesa (Cty Rd 5) in 1981. They sold this land in 1997 when ready to create a second home, and purchased a home in Pleasant Valley, becoming their final home.
The family extends sincerest appreciation to the wonderful hospice nurses for their tender and loving care of Ricky. A celebration of Ricky’s life is being planned for March 11 at 10:30 a.m. at her church, The United Church of the San Juans, followed by a brunch at the 4H Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Ricky’s favorite charities: HopeWest Hospice, Haven House or The United Church of the San Juans.
