Helen Joan “Tootie” Ricker

TURNER – Helen Joan “Tootie” Ricker, 88, a lifelong member of Turner, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Oct. 29, 1937, in Turner, the seventh of 13 children of Clyde and Maude (Safford) Pulsifer. Tootie was a 1955 graduate of Leavitt Institute, where she was a talented athlete, playing both softball and basketball.

After graduation, she worked at A&P Grocery in Auburn, Lawrence’s General Store in Turner Center, and later as a telephone operator in Lewiston alongside her good friend, Bernice “Bunny” Gilbert.

Tootie married Stanley Timberlake on Nov. 4, 1956. During their time together, she served as a scorekeeper for the Turner Townies baseball team. They had three children, Jeff, Sheila, and Tim. On Jan. 4, 1971, she married Donald Ricker. Together, Don and Tootie had one son, Peter.

Tootie had a deep passion for history, especially the history of Turner. She was an integral part of the formation of the Turner Historical Society and Museum. It was often said that if you wanted to know the story behind an old building or a Turner family name, Tootie was the one to ask.

Her love for the community was evident in all she did, including her involvement in organizing the highly successful Bicentennial Celebration in 1986. She not only spearheaded children’s entertainment but also ran the Bicentennial Café.

Holidays—especially Christmas—held a special place in Tootie’s heart. The warmth of her spirit and her love for the community were on full display each year at the annual Wednesday evening Sing-A-Long at the old Turner Townhouse. She brought people together, young and old, and shared the joy and meaning of the season with so many.

Tootie was well known for her cooking and her love of gardening. For many years, her beloved fruit stand on the corner of Ricker Hill Road showcased the fruits of her labor from both her gardens and orchards. Family and friends were always welcome, often finding her in the kitchen cooking, baking, or putting up preserves. She passed that love of food and hospitality on to many, and her recipes continue to live on in local, family-run fruit houses.

When she wasn’t in the kitchen or garden, she could often be found behind the counter of her antique shop. In later years, Tootie enjoyed winter trips with Don to their home in Florida, where they spent time with friends and shared their love of golf.

She cherished her family deeply and embraced every opportunity to gather together. Many evenings were spent around the table playing cards, sharing meals, and enjoying each other’s company. Their time at Pleasant Pond was filled with boat rides, card tournaments, laughter, and plenty of cribbage, one of their favorites.

Tootie will be greatly missed, but her legacy lives on through her family and through the lasting impact she made on the Town of Turner and its history.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Ricker of Turner; her children, Jeff Timberlake and wife Joline of Turner, Sheila Lyman and husband Kenneth of Livermore Falls, Timothy Timberlake of Buckfield, Peter Ricker and wife Lisa of Turner, Harry Ricker and wife Nancy of Turner, and Heidi Hewison of Buckfield.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jenny Maheau, Matthew Timberlake, Kendra Lyman, Ethan Ricker, Andrew Ricker, Kendall Ricker, and Samuel Ricker; her great-grandchildren, Jake Maheau, Katie Maheau, and Kaydence Timberlake, as well as nine step-great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her brothers, Barry Pulsifer of Hallowell and Howard Pulsifer of Illinois, and her sister, Edith Little of Leeds.

Tootie was predeceased by her parents, Clyde and Maude; her brothers Clyde “Ted” Pulsifer, Richard Pulsifer, Robert Pulsifer, Gerald Pulsifer, David Pulsifer, Steve Pulsifer, and Jim Pulsifer, her sisters Janice Holmes and Merilyn Bates; and her grandson, Kendrick Lyman.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 2 at Turner Village Cemetery, Church Street, in Turner. Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls.