Mary Elizabeth Rikard

Mary Elizabeth Rikard (Elizabeth), 62, of Evans GA, passed away on 05 August 2025, after many years of carrying the cross of several serious medical conditions. She was born on 15 July 1963, in Akron, Ohio. Elizabeth is survived by her husband (Charles Rikard Jr.), father and mother (Robert and Mary Barnett), brother (John Barnett), sister (Claire Barnett), son (Christopher Huerta), daughter (Hilary Laidlow), step grandchildren. (Stella, Jude and Jensen). She is preceded in death by her brother Robert Chapman Barnett Jr. (Budd).

‍Elizabeth started her life’s journey in Akron, Ohio, moving with her family to Evansville, IN, then Orangeburg, SC, and eventually settling in Aiken, SC. She attended South Aiken High School and then completed the Cosmetology program at Aiken Tech. and worked as a Hair Stylist in Aiken, SC. Elizabeth moved to Hephzibah, GA and worked as an assistant in the Special Education department. Elizabeth loved the outdoors and all that went with it. During elementary school she was on the swimming team. This love of the water shaped her fondness of the beach and spending time on her father’s sailboat in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Elizabeth especially loved caring for animals. She worked in the horse industry where her love of animals grew. Elizabeth cared for all types of animals to include cats, dogs, horses, sugar gliders, and rabbits. Elizabeth was also extremely interested in the arts and crafts. She was a member of the Augusta Gem and Mineral Society. She was also considered a “Rock Hound” for the time that she spent at Graves Mountain, GA, where she would search for distinct types of minerals. She also enjoyed painting, refinishing furniture and designing and making unusual jewelry.

‍Elizabeth married Charles Lester Rikard Jr. on 24 November 2001 and they made a home in Evans, GA. She cherished and was a loving mother to her children Christopher Huerta (wife Laura), Highlands, NC, and Hilary Marie Rangos Laidlow (husband Stephen), Newcastle, England. Elizabeth was immensely proud of her children. Elizabeth thoroughly loved her family and really enjoyed the family reunions.

Elizabeth was resolute in her religion, and her Forever verse resonated her conviction “I am the way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me, John 14.6.” Elizabeth attended West Town Community Church, Evans, GA, where she was welcomed with open arms. She thoroughly enjoyed her time spent at Bible study where she made many new friends.

A memorial service celebrating Elizabeth's life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, 16 August 2025 at Platt's Funeral Home, Belair Chapel. The family will recieve friends for two hours prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to Georgia Cancer Research Fund, Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education, Inc. 999 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30309