Susan Margurete Rickard

With deep love and tender hearts, we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Susan Margurete Rickard, who passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in Riverton, Utah. She was 78 years old.

Susan was born on February 17, 1947, in Butte, Montana, to William H. and Ardella M. Cantwell. On December 23, 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, Alfred “Al” Rickard, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, laughter, and devotion—sharing nearly 60 wonderful years together.

A Life of Love and Family

Susan was a woman of kindness, strength, and quiet joy. Her greatest passion was her family, and she dedicated her life to nurturing those she loved. She found true happiness in everyday moments—traveling with Al, watching her family grow, sharing holiday meals, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Susan enjoyed wood burning crafts, collecting pens and notebooks, shopping, and playing games—especially pinochle, where she proudly won more than a few games against Al. She loved her soaps, especially The Young and the Restless, and her favorite movies included The Jazz Singer, On Golden Pond, and anything with Kevin Costner or Elvis Presley.

She loved music, whether it be Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, or Alabama, you would hear her humming a tune in the kitchen. Her classic cooking was a comfort to all—famous for dishes like porcupine meatballs, fried chicken legs, and shrimp salad, and always served with a cold Diet Pepsi, and a scoop of Rocky Road ice cream.

Susan’s home was full of warmth and little treasures—knick-knacks in her curio cabinets, Snoopy and Charlie Brown memorabilia, and photos of the family she adored. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved and seen, and respected.

Her proudest role was that of Nana Sue. Holding each new baby in her arms brought her happiness and joy beyond words.

A Joyful Reunion

Susan is now reunited in heaven with her parents, William and Ardella Cantwell, her brother Dave Cantwell, and her granddaughters Madison and Elizabeth Lehman. We imagine her smiling, embraced by their love once again.

Cherished by Many

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Al Rickard, and their five children:

● Howard and Pam Rickard Step-grandchildren: Breanna Knobel (Archer, Cameron, Maxwell, Myles), Spencer Coon (Kinsley), Madison Ostermiller (Ulrik), Kylie Ostermiller, Katie Ostermiller, and Logan Sullivan

● Scott and Jeanne Rickard Grandchildren: Cassie and Patrick McHenry (Arden, Conlan), and Scott A. Rickard (Paytyn)

● Fredd Rickard Grandchildren: Rachel Simmons and Todd McGarvey (Morgyn, Reagan), Jordyn Rickard and Carson Mouser (with pets Lady Girl and Buddy)

● Cyndi and Allen Smith Grandchildren: Andy and Jonelle Smith (Samson, ElliAnn, Gracelynn, Tyson), Allison and Brad Fairchild (Esther, Luke), Aaron and Tessa Smith (Roman, Violet, Piper)

● Jolene and Wes Lehman Grandchildren: Chris and Aubrey Lehman (Lacey Sue), and Bradley Lehman

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Linda and Skip Murphy, Georgia Sheridan, Bill and Collette Cantwell, and sister-in-law Jeri Cantwell, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Celebration of Life

Please join us in honoring Susan’s life:

Date: July 21, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM Location: The Azalea 11277 S Kestrel Rise Road, South Jordan, Utah

A luncheon will follow the service. All are welcome to come, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful life Susan lived.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the memories we cherish and the love that remains in our hearts.”