Vanita M. “Anita” Ricks, 76, of Orange, Texas passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Beaumont Health Care Center. Anita was born on November 6, 1946 in Jacksonville, Texas to Harry and Vallie Gober.

Anita was an independent, strong and talented woman who adored her family. Throughout her life Anita worked as a bank teller, telephone operator, nail technician and a cashier at the high school cafeteria. She enjoyed cake decorating, making floral arrangements, traveling and watching NFL football, especially the Cowboys. Before the internet, coworkers of her husband would often call to get NFL scores and updates because they knew she would be watching.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Lee Gober and Vallie (Simpson) Gober; stepfather, Harold Copson; daughter, Danita Kay Ricks; spouse, William Charles “Bill” Ricks and close family and dear friends Richard and Pat Payne.

Those left to cherish Anita’s memory include her daughter, Charla Ricks of Orange, Texas; sisters, Barbara Gammel and Judy Crews both of Lindale, Texas; several nephews and friends.

Service will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 350 North Main Street, Vidor, Texas.