Mary Ethel Michael Rickard

Mary Ethel Michael Rickard, 87, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed from this life on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, MD. 

 Born on April 9, 1937, in Martinsburg, WV, she was the daughter of the late Herbert DeNeen and Annie May (Porterfield) Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Rickard and husband Jim Rickard and nephew Bill Rickard all of Martinsburg, WV. She was also preceded in death by three husbands, Carl W. Michael, Dr. Kenneth Orr, and Glenn Rickard.

 She is survived by two sons, John Michael (wife Robin) of Boonsboro, MD and Scott Michael of Thurmont, MD. Grandsons, Luke Michael of Marion, PA and Jared Michael of Westminster, MD. Great-grandson Noah Michael of Fredrick, MD. She is also survived by one sister Susanne Horner (Jerry) of Inwood, WV along with many nieces and nephews. She graduated from Hedgesville High School, Hedgesville, WV class of 1954 and graduated from Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV class of 1958 where she was a member of the college band all 4 years.

She was a math teacher at Musselman High School in Inwood, WV and at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, VA. Later she was a Driver’s Education teacher and teaching assistant with Frederick County (MD) Schools from 1975-2002. She was a lifetime member of the Thurmont United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir for many years and held various church positions. She was also a member of the Thurmont Lions Club.

In her spare time she was a voracious reader, enjoyed sewing clothing, making most of the outfits that she wore. She enjoyed traveling, always ready for the next adventure. With her sons she traveled to all four corners of the United States and later to most of Europe. She also enjoyed swimming in her pool and hosting pool parties.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. (Thurmont), 104 East Main Street in Thurmont, MD.

 A funeral service will take place at 11am on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Road in Thurmont, MD. Rev. Kenneth Fizer will officiate. Interment will be at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Thurmont, MD.

Memorial donations may be made to Lions Club International at :https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate