Joanne B. Riker

Her longevity was yet another testament to her desire to always get the most out of life. Joanne B. Riker passed away on June 17, 2024 in Tracy, California with her family close by. Born Joan Marie Barker on January 19, 1932, in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Lloyd and Marguerite Barker. She grew up in Franklin, PA along with her older siblings, Lloyd and Jeannine. As a child Joanne naturally pushed gender boundaries by hunting deer with her grandmother, being exceptionally proficient in mathematics and, in her teenage years, bought and rode an Indian motorcycle. When the Korean war broke out Joanne sold her motorcycle and joined the Army (WAC – Women’s Army Corp) as an x-ray technician where she met her first husband Staff Sergeant Robert Arnold. At the end of the war, they married and raised four children in Rhode Island. In 1972 Joanne began a successful career as a real estate agent and broker where she met and married the true “love of her life” Gerald B. Riker, an owner of JW Riker Real Estate. With her almost unlimited drive she was key in establishing JW Riker as the largest independently owned real estate company in Rhode Island. During her 24-year career, Joanne received many business achievements, awards and first’s including being the first female President for the Warwick Chamber of Commerce. During this time, she also designed and built houses with her son under the name of Lifestyle Homes, Inc. A creative force as well, Joanne loved acting and spent many years involved in the Walpole Footlighters (MA) and The Academy Players in East Greenwich, RI where she won a few Academy Awards. She also had a love for gourmet cooking and entertaining, hosting countless memorable parties including her yearly holiday party in which she did all of the cooking for up to 100 guests. During their retired years, Joanne and Jerry traveled the world enjoying many cruises and adventures including an African Safari. As they settled into their 80’s and 90’s Joanne continually reduced the size of her parties but always loved cooking Jerry’s favorite dishes and making his special homemade sauces. They were deeply devoted to each other and enjoyed every minute of their life together, often talking about being together in the great beyond. Joanne is survived by her children, Rick Arnold (Heidi), Tracey Mutimer (Doug), Alyson Arnold, Jerry Riker (Lynn), Lane Ceylan (Sinan) and Chris Riker (Ping). She is preceded in death by her oldest daughter (Linda) and her loving husband. Joanne loved life and enjoyed each one of her 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and her recent addition of one great-great-grandchild. Burial with Military Honors will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI.