Ricky Bosted

Elizabeth “Ricky” Bosted, born in 1931 in Gloucester, New Jersey, the only child of German immigrants, Ernst and Elisabeth Richter, passed away suddenly in Paul, Idaho on April 5, 2021, at the age of 90. She was an energetic, creative, and accomplished woman who lived a full and varied life as a mom, a wife, an artist, a violinist, a businesswoman and a dedicated volunteer. Her academic achievements include a BS in Chemistry and a Master of Library Science degree.

In 1952 she married the first love of her life, Nelson “Paul” Bosted. Together they had 4 children: Peter, Marta, Molly and Sue. Paul was an adventurer at heart. With Ricky and the kids in tow, they moved all over this country, also spending about six years in Europe. There they enjoyed learning French, skiing the Alps, collecting art, and sipping fine wines. Eventually, settling back in the States, they finished raising all but the youngest kids in California before moving to their final state, Idaho. Settling in the Wood River Valley, they owned and ran a couple shops (F-Stop, The Wooden Spoon) in Sun Valley and for a while the local TV station (Channel 13). Up there, Ricky loved cross country skiing and hiking throughout the mountains and volunteering at both the Ketchum Library and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities. She also wove lovely custom clothing. Before he passed away in 1984, Paul and Ricky even went trekking through the mountains of Pakistan!

After Paul’s death, Ricky stayed on in the Valley, where she worked as a free-lance bookkeeper and continued her volunteering activities. By then grandchildren Danny, James and Nelson were born, giving her such joy as she watched them grow. Working for Big Wood Golf course, she met Dave Sellgren, the second love of her life. Together they ran the golf course and embarked on many adventures in travel, gourmet cooking, and engaged in a variety of philanthropic activities. It was a whirlwind love affair that ended with his death in 2004.

It was then she designed and built a home in Paul, Idaho, next door to her youngest daughter, Sue. There she got to play with her grandson, also named Paul, and explore Southern Idaho in her RV. She attended CSI for several years, expanding her artistic talents. It was here she also reacquainted herself with the violin and played in the Magic Philharmonic Orchestra. Always the volunteer, she helped out at St. Nicholas Catholic School, bringing the joy of art to them as well. When she could no longer play her violin, she encouraged Paul’s love of music and attended every performance. She is survived by all four of her children and 3 grandchildren.

Ricky was always fully engaged in life. She made friends wherever she went, always curious, always learning. She loved the outdoors, dogs, cats, good food, and good friends. We will miss her dearly.

We would like to thank the West End Fire Department and the staff at Minidoka Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. It was through their efforts that Ricky passed away, not in a frightful emergency, but instead through a calm and peaceful moment with people that cared for her by her side.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday May 7, 2021, at the Paul Pine Chapel. Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

Those wishing to view the live webcast of the funeral service may do so by following this link: https://youtu.be/vctMUkhc6eA

Donate to The Magic Philharmonic Orchestra Ltd

Support Wood River Land Trust in #IdahoGives! | Idaho Gives