Donna Mae Ricker

Donna Mae Ricker, a beloved mother, grandmother, and precious saint of the Lord, passed away on December 15, 2025, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Donna was born on April 27, 1949, on the Fort Peck Reservation, the youngest child born to the union of Helen LeCaine and Joseph Ricker. She was a proud Hunkpapa Lakota woman who cherished her heritage. She served as a bridge to the past for her family, faithfully sharing her family’s stories and history with her children, grandchildren, and nephews.

Donna’s life was a powerful testament to redemption, resilience, and the transforming power of God. The Bible speaks of those who are "more than conquerors," and this describes Donna perfectly. She faced life's profound challenges with strength and refused to let them define her. Instead, she became an Overcomer. She turned her life around, emerging as a woman of deep faith and strength.

In her restored life, she poured her heart into being a devoted mother, particularly to Jodahana Deserly, with whom she made her home in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Donna loved Jesus with all her heart. She did not keep the freedom she found to herself; she loved to share His goodness with others, testifying to the liberty that only God can give. Her life was a living picture of Isaiah 61:1-5, a scripture that defined her journey from darkness into light:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Donna is survived by her loving children: Jodahana Deserly of Devils Lake, ND; Brian Ames Ricker Alexander of Dallas, TX; Danielle Ricker; Jimmy Bobbit; Ladahna Mae Jones of Chicago, IL; and Richard Aubery of Pismo Beach, CA. She also leaves behind her brothers, Ronald Ricker of Wolf Point, MT, and Tommy Christian of Poplar, MT; her sister, Lori Japp; as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen LeCaine and Joseph Ricker; her beloved sons, Burton Deserly and Joseph Jones III; her sisters, Peggy, Betty, Tweety, and Barbara; and her brother, Arnold.