Ricky Jane Gibbs

Ricky Jane Benedix was, born on August 30, 1950 to Thora and Richard Benedix, Jr. in Escalon, California. As the fourth and final daughter, she perfectly completed their family. Her childhood was spent living in Valley Home and loving the simple things in life.  At an early age, she enjoyed tumbling and later, proudly participated in yell leading while attending Oakdale High School.  Many of her favorite memories were made while spending her summers at the family cabin in Dardanelle, California.  It was in those mountains that she met the love of her life, Stanley Gibbs.  That love resulted in a daughter, Jennifer Jane, who Ricky proudly raised as a single parent.  She took great pride in her job with the City of Escalon where she retired as the Finance Director after 23 years of employment.  Ricky was very proud to welcome Andrew Jack into her life as her son-in-law.  Shortly thereafter her dreams of becoming a grandma occurred when they welcomed Jillian Jane.  Her family was completed when Jackson Andrew was born. Over her remaining years, she spent her life dedicated to doting on and loving her family.  She passed her love of tumbling on to her grandchildren and frequently enjoyed taking them to classes and watching them perform.  Every minute was spent caring for others and making sure that everyone knew they were special and loved, especially her grand babies.  Ricky passed away peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law by her side and will greatly be missed by all who loved her.  She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Andrew Alderson and her pride and joy Jillian and Jackson.  She also leaves two sisters, Judy Duncan and Audrey Rinna and a large extended family, all of whom she loved deeply.   She was reunited with her mother and father, as well as her sister Sharon.  We can take comfort in these difficult times by echoing these words… "I miss grandma but its okay because she told me she would be watching me and I will see her again in Heaven." – Jackson Age 7.  "Grandma knows how much we love her and now she feels no pain." – Jillian Age 9.
 
There will be an Open House to celebrate Ricky's life on Saturday, March 11th from 12-4 at the Alderson home at 4554 Beckwith Road in Modesto.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Stanford Medical Respiratory Medicine Research. (650) 724-0627.