Doris Marie Royal Rickert passed away at home in Iowa City on February 11, 2026 due to congestive heart failure. She was born to Elizabeth Engel and Robert Royal on February 25, 1929 in Panama, Nebraska. She was a 1947 graduate of Montrose High School. She met Alfred “Rick” Rickert at a gas station while driving to her job at Sheaffer Pen Company in Fort Madison. They were married on June 22, 1952 in Keokuk.

She is survived by her daughter, Patty, with whom she lived for the past eight years. Also surviving are three granddaughters: Madeline, Elena, and Viviana.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2005, son John in 2024, Patty’s husband Roger in 2020, sister Frances, and brother Marvin.

Doris loved to read, spending eight hours a day with favorite authors Danielle Steel, Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, and others. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune until Pat Sajak retired.

Memorials may be made to Service Circle at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk.

A private burial will take place. Vigen Memorial Home is handling arrangements. A gathering for family and friends is planned for a later date.