Suzanne Rickert
Saint Louis | Save
Suzanne Marie Rickert, 84, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away at 2:35 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born March 11, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Vito and Arlene (Rakonick) Gowatch. She married the love of her life, Raymond Randoll Rickert, on August 30, 1969, in St. Louis, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 28, 2025. Together, they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage.
Suzanne retired from the Metropolitan Sewer District after many years of dedicated service as a secretary. She was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in St. Louis and was also a proud member of the Granite City Eagles Women’s Auxiliary. She cherished her time supporting the Mt. Grace “Pink Sisters.”
Suzanne lived life with energy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed dancing, yoga, aerobics, and staying active. She had a deep love for New Orleans, where she embraced its historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and renowned cuisine. She especially loved jazz music, often visiting the Palm Court and Pat O’Brien’s, celebrating Mardi Gras, and participating as a page girl for the Veiled Prophets over the years.
She is survived by her son, Ben Rickert (Katy Wilkinson) of Wentzville, Missouri; two sisters, Marianne Rodriquez of Dyer, Indiana, and Toni (Joe) McGarry of St. Louis, Missouri; her sister-in-law, Debbie Gowatch of St. Peters, Missouri; her niece, Michelle (Jon) Foster of Dyer, Indiana; her great-nephew, Ryne Foster of Dyer, Indiana; along with cousins, extended family, and many dear friends.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Gowatch; her brother, Michael Gowatch; her brother-in-law, Otto Rodriquez; and her niece, Janine Rodriquez.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2300 Pontoon Road in Granite City, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with Father Godwin Muhangi officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to the Mt. Grace “Pink Sisters” or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be accepted at the funeral chapel.
New Orleans Sue would leave you with her favorite saying: “Laissez les bons temps rouler.”
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
