Obituary of Betty Rickman

Betty Corrine Rickman, age 93, passed away January 18, 2022. She is survived by her four children who were the lights of her life. Sharon Augustine and husband Kenneth, Linda Rutledge and husband Doug, Rick Rickman and wife Martha, and Stephen Rickman and wife Laura. Betty was born July 23, 1928 in Santa Rita, TX to Ivan and Ilene Ray. She met the only man she ever loved, James Rickman while working on base in Corpus Christie. They were married December 22, 1946 until his death in 1983. Betty had a long career in the Tatum Post Office, becoming Post Master, as well as a Post Master trainer and Post Office auditor. She served the USPS for 32 years. She was also a member of the Tatum City council for two years before becoming Mayor, where she proudly served the town for 16 years. Betty was a servant at heart and continued serving in her community on several boards and committees, including being the Executive Director for SE NM Economic Development District, State Political Action Chairman for NAPUS, member of the NMJC Foundation Board, member of State of NM Board of Aging, and member of the First Baptist Church in Tatum where she served as Church Clerk for 60 years. In addition to her children, Betty is survived by grandchildren, Stacie Williams (Richard), Tina Sowder (Jarrod), Michael Rutledge (Donna), Jeremy Rutledge (Mandy), Rebecca Owens (Brooke), Amber Clayton (Greg), Zachary Rickman (Kasey), as well as 19 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Her service will be held in Tatum at the First Baptist Church at 10:00 am, Thursday January 20, 2022 with Rev. Harry Pittam officiating. Burial will follow at Tatum Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Wednesday at Kirby-Ratliff Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baptist Children's Home, in Portales, NM.