Madeline Rae Rickman of Chelsea, Michigan, age 85, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026, at her home. She was born September 15, 1941, in Dickens, Iowa, the daughter of Keith “Pete” Raymond and Marjorie (Clapper) Simington.
Madeline graduated from Gillett Grove High School in 1960, and went on to work as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone Company in Spencer, Iowa. She later worked as a receptionist at the Ypsilanti Press, and a secretary in the Willow Run Community School District. She was a meticulous record keeper, was well respected, and was known as being very kindhearted. Madeline was an avid reader and always had a couple of books going. She not only had a heart for pets, but also for the wildlife that frequented her backyard. Madeline maintained lifelong friendships, loved visiting her sisters in Iowa, and could always be counted on for a birthday and anniversary card. Family was everything to her. Madeline lived for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Madeline married Ray Emil Rickman on January 7, 1964, in Spencer, Iowa. He preceded her in death on September 30, 2018. She is survived by her son, Ray (Kristen) Rickman of Chelsea; daughter, Michelle (Christian) Maule of Jackson; sisters, Shyral Nelsen of Des Moines, Iowa, and Marlene (Doug) Erne of Milford, Iowa; sister-in-law, Pat Rickman of Illinois; grandchildren, Hailey (Shaun), Bryce (Alicia), Jillian (Randy), Natalie (Cody), Mackenzie (Joe), Brendan, Alexandra, and Ryan; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. A luncheon will be immediately after the service with burial to follow at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. The family will receive friends Thursday, before the service from 10 - 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
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