Carol Jean Rickards

May 7, 1942 - February 7, 2024

Carol Jean Alexander Rickards, 81, Greenwood, Indiana, entered eternal rest on Feb. 7, 2024. She was born May 7, 1942, in Dannebrog, Nebraska, to the late Arthur Loys and Mildred Irene (McCullough) Alexander and later moved to Portland, Oregon, where she graduated from Jefferson High School. She attended college at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington.

In the early 1960s, Carol moved to Los Angeles, California, to receive missionary training with The Oriental Missionary Society. While in training, she met and fell in love with Donald “Don” Raymond Rickards, who went to be with his Savior in 2010. In 1966, she and Don moved from Los Angeles to the new headquarters in Greenwood, Indiana, now known as One Mission Society. Their missionary service spanned 45 years.

Carol loved her family and the word of God. She studied the Bible for many years in Bible Study Fellowship and other groups. She had the gift of encouragement and demonstrated selflessness throughout her life.

She is survived by her son Brent A. Rickards (Joyce) and daughter, Laurie A. Spate (Randy), all of Greenwood; brother, Jerry Alexander (Sheila), Albany, Oregon; granddaughters Morgan J. McNamara (Mike), Wesley Chapel, Florida, Makenzie N. and Paige J. Spate, both of Greenwood; and sister-in-law Florence (Rickards) Anderson, Largo, Florida.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, February 12, at Southland Community Church, 5800 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46143, of which she was a member. Services will be at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southland Community Church Mortgage Reduction Fund. Online donations may be made at www.southlandchurch.org.

Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.