NMDA Journal Fall 2018

34 New Mexico Dental Journal, Fall 2018 MEMBERSHIP Ricky D. Felts Obituaries Ricky D. Felts October 17, 1952–January 25, 2018 Dr. Ricky D. Felts, 65, passed away peacefully January 25, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gloria Arvidson Felts; son, Matthew Felts and wife Kelly of T. or C.; two grandsons: Jacob Ricky and Benjamin Thomas; father, Howard Felts of T. or C.; sisters: Janet Bredemeyer and husband Ronnie of Waco, TX; Vickie Rutan and husband Dave of Tulsa, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Felts (Karen) in 2016 and his mother, Patty, in 2008. Ricky was born in San Bernadino, CA and raised in Belen and Albuquerque, NM. After High School graduation, he served in the US Navy as a Seabee, stationed in Gulfport, MS; Subic Bay, Philippines and Rota, Spain until 1973. Ricky then went on and graduated from NMSU in 1977 and then Baylor College of Dentistry in 1980. Following his love of the outdoors, he moved to T. or C. in 1981 to start his dental practice until he retired in 2010. He had the joy of providing care to many wonderful patients and practicing dentistry with his son, Matt, for five years. He enjoyed a lifelong passion of hunting and fishing with his family and special friends. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and a fellow of Academy of General Dentistry. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball for seven years. During his 18-year battle with cancer, he received phenomenal support from friends, family, patients, and the medical community, and at the end, Amber Care Hospice. Two days before he left this life he said, “I have been blessed with a great family, good friends, loyal staff, special patients, and a wonderful life.”