Nancy Janette Urick Ricca

Nancy Janette Urick Ricca, 89, of Lufkin died Friday, April 9, 2021 at her residence. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ricca was born September 3, 1931 in Carlos, Texas to the late Alice Pearl (Raney) and Jessie L. Urick.

Today was a difficult day as we watched my sweet mother pass from this life to the next. I’m the fourth child of my parents’ four children and I will try to speak for all of us. Let me begin by saying my mother, above all else, was a teacher. Not only did she teach her own four children the important things in life, she taught dozens of children over the years a myriad of subjects. Who doesn’t need to know how to be able to coax a reluctant lizard to open its mouth so you could hang it on your ear lobes or learn how to spot a hawk on the telephone line as the car sailed along the highway? She was a naturalist at heart and an expert on all things creepy crawly, feathered, furred, or finned, as well as a master of everything in the garden or flower bed. She was also skilled at all types of needlework and a beautiful quilter, eager to share what she knew. Many of us are blessed recipients of her lovely quilts. Many of us were also blessed to have eaten at her table. Cooking, her most appreciated skill, was lovingly passed down to all four of her children and more than one group of girl scouts. Additionally, mom was a teacher of history, from Texas history to American and World History, she educated anyone she felt needed the lesson. She especially shined when she told stories of her own personal history and what it was like growing up in Carlos and Bryan during the Great Depression and WWII. We lost a remarkable teacher today.

Survivors include her children, Joseph W. Ricca and wife Peggy, Jimmy D. Ricca and wife Vickie, Nancy R. Riley and husband John, Barbara R. Zwolinski and husband Jeffrey; grandchildren, Kaitlin E. Riley, Joseph J. Zwolinski, Jennifer Whetstone; great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Whetstone; brother, Cleatus A. Urick; and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Joe Ricca.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.