Ricker was born in Northumberland, New Hampshire, USA, on 1 March 1912, to parents George F. York and Jessie O’Meara. She had three brothers: Rex, Max, and Horace. She graduated from Groveton High School and subsequently attended Wilfred Academy Beauty School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon completing her studies, she returned to New Hampshire, where she lived and worked in the Lancaster area until she moved to Woodsville in 1938.

Ricker was married twice. She had a son from her first marriage, Richard H. Mayberry (died 2005). Her second husband was Nelson C. Ricker (died 1982), who had two sons from his first marriage: Philip (died 2010) and Paul (died 2012).

Her interests included playing Scrabble, indulging in reading, and tending to her garden.

Ricker passed away in North Haverhill, New Hampshire, USA, on 4 January 2024, at the age of 111 years, 309 days.