Bernice J. Ricker

Bernice J. (Cochran) Ricker, 91, passed away on Monday morning, January 3, 2022. She was born on April 15, 1930 in South Bend, IN, to Benjamin and Leora (Etter) Cochran, both of whom preceded her in death. On June 2, 1956, Bernice married Daniel D. Ricker, who preceded her in death on September 9, 2000.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Deborah A. Ricker of De Motte, IN, and Diane M. (James) Buff of Valparaiso, IN; son, Michael B. (Lisa) Ricker of Kenosha, WI; and four grandchildren, Bianca Ricker, Isabella Ricker, Sofia Ricker, and Lucia Ricker. In addition to her parents and her husband, Bernice was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Reeder, as well as her brother, Benjamin Cochran.

A lifelong resident of South Bend, Bernice was employed for thirty years as security personnel in the women’s dorms at the University of Notre Dame. Bernice was raised at her family’s store, Cochran’s Grocery, on Sorin Street.  She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, January 7, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, IN. Friends may also visit with the family from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, January 6th at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN, with additional visitation on Friday, January 7th from 10:00-11:00am at the church prior to Mass.

Contributions in memory of Bernice may be donated to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend, IN 46617; or to American Heart & Stroke Association, 6500 Technology Center Drive, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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