Georgia Afton Ricks Richey

Georgia Afton Ricks Richey, daughter of Ben E Ricks and Afton Wallace Bawden, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Thursday, May 14, 2026. Georgia was born, September 27, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Georgia was the fourth child of six and grew up in Centerville, Utah. Graduated from Viewmont High School in 1966 with honors, was the Sterling Scholar in Business Education, Future Homemakers of America President and National Honor Society member. She then earned her associate’s degree from Weber State College.

Georgia married her eternal companion and love of her life, Stephen Lloyd Richey of Ogden, Utah. Stephen and Georgia attended Weber State College and LDS Institute together. They were engaged, married and sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple August 11, 1967.

Georgia was a devoted wife and mother, supporting her husband through his military service in the U.S. Air Force, graduate school at the University of South Florida and work at Arthur Anderson.

In 1974, the family moved back to Utah, where she supported Stephen throughout his successful 34-year career with New York Life Insurance Company, including assisting with his office for a time.

After raising and supporting her eight children in their education efforts, Georgia returned to Weber State University and graduated as the Outstanding Graduate in May of 1994 from the Department of Child and Family Studies in Early Childhood Development with an emphasis in children at risk.

In 2010, Georgia was honored to be recognized as Ogden City Mother of the Year. Her husband shared,

     “Like all exceptional mothers throughout the ages, she has quietly and inconspicuously devoted her life to the highest ideals embodied in the noble title – Mother.

     Georgia possesses many wonderful gifts, talents, and attributes desirable for one who would fill her role as a mother to overflowing; perhaps none greater than her ability to touch hearts and change lives (mine included.) She is an inspiration to all who know her.

     Almost every day she receives emails or phone calls from all over the Country from young mothers seeking her help and guidance as they struggle to cope with the reality of raising a child with special needs. Her love, encouragement, and sound advice lifts their spirits and gives them courage to go on when others, including medical professionals, have given but very little hope.”

The entire family cherished the relationship Georgia had with Angela. Georgia’s patience, love, and devotion to this special daughter was evident to all who knew her. Despite the overwhelming diagnosis of Cri du Chat, and being told that Angela would likely never walk, talk or live a complete life. Georgia took this challenge head on, teaching Angela valuable life skills, the ability to communicate and read. She was relentless in her efforts to teach, guide and instruct this daughter and beat the odds. As mentioned by Stephen, her efforts in the Five P Minus Society are impossible to measure aiding those special families raising children like Angela.

Following retirement Georgia and Stephen served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with their daughter Angela, in the Utah Ogden Mission. Her lifetime service in the church includes opportunities to serve as Ward and Stake Relief Society President, Young Women’s President, Cub Scouts and many callings as teacher. Not to mention patiently guiding all five of her sons on the trail to Eagle Scout.

Georgia is survived by her children, Natalie Packer (Dale), Carl (Sarah), Keith (Maureen), Craig (Lorianne), Kenneth (Shanda), Benjamin (Marisa), and Angela. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Stephen; her daughter, Joanne Davis (Garrett); parents; brother, Boyd; and sister, Yvonne. She absolutely adored her 30 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosewood Park Ward, 125 Chapel Street, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery, 1875 Monroe, Blvd.

The Richey Family would like to thank Georgia’s many doctors and caregivers for their professional and compassionate service.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the service by scrolling to the bottom of Georgia’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.