Linda Rickman "Ricki" Baer

Linda Rickman “Ricki” (Sims) Baer, age 72, passed away in her sleep on February 17 with her beloved husband Terry Blair at her side and her cats Bebe and Kayce at her feet. Ricki is preceded in death by her father Wilson “Woody” Sims and her grandparents Grace and Cecil Sims of Nashville and Margaret and Robert Henry Bell of Springfield Tennessee. She is survived by her husband Terry Blair and his extended family in Indiana, her mother Linda Bell Sims, her sister Suzanne Sims Haizlip (Wilson) of Chattanooga, her brother Wilson Sims Jr (Ann) of Asheville NC, her nephews Jeff Edmonds (Lourdes Cuellar) and their daughters Panambi and Luna Edmonds Cuellar of Nashville and Philip Edmonds (Linsey) of Driggs Idaho, and her nieces Callie Sims of Asheville NC and Jenny Sims of Santa Barbara CA. Born August 28, 1950, Ricki spent her childhood in the somewhat idyllic, slow-paced life of 'old' Nashville of the 50's and 60's, when family was key and children could roam neighborhoods more freely. Surrounded by her friends and siblings, Suzanne and Wilson, she enjoyed many adventures in the heart of nature. These included riding horses (more so, break-neck galloping with Suzanne) in surrounding pastureland and at her grandparents' farm in Franklin. She continued to enjoy horseback-riding at several summer camps through the years: Beechcreek Day Camp, Hidden Valley Camp, and on the trails of Percy Warner Park. At the Franklin family farm, Ricki found a life-long love of nature and animals. Until her death, our warm-hearted Ricki actively donated to many animal rescue groups and organizations for the conservation of nature and endangered species. She attended Parmer and Ensworth schools for primary education and Harpeth Hall School for high school. In school she was a natural leader and wielded influence in her classes. She was known for her spirited and dynamic personality, original ideas, great sense of humor and identity as an instigator of uproarious fun. She was intensely competitive in sports and academics and was one of the best dancers at the regular after-football-game 'combos'. She was a founding member of the late night “2 Oclock Club”. She was voted Most Devilish of her senior class. To use a fifties term, one could say that Ricki was a real 'fireball'. To say she was unique would sell her short. At the university level, she attended Converse College and Peabody College, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She next completed her Masters in Social Work at The University of Tennessee. Her Doctorate of Psychology was granted from Forest Institute in Chicago. Her extensive academic and clinical training, coupled with her own intensive research, made Ricki a particularly skilled therapist, allowing her to treat complex cases with combinations of therapies. Ricki was no stranger to the process of healing. Throughout her life, she faced serious health challenges and underwent numerous interventions and treatments. It is probable that these factors contributed to her successful and intuitive professional practice. While in Chicago, Ricki met and married Jerry Baer. They traveled extensively throughout the world, living in Santa Fe, NM, Pinehurst NC, and Boca Raton FL. At the end of this relationship in 2005 she returned to Nashville, where she pursued her career in psychotherapy. She had an active practice in several different centers and was still providing therapy until her death. Upon her return to Nashville, Ricki fell deeply and everlastingly in love with a fellow psychotherapist and social worker, Terry Blair. Among their many commonalities, they shared a dedication to their profession, a deep spirituality, and the joy of performing music. They hosted weekly garage band sessions in their artistic, cozy Sylvan Park home. Ricki loved joining Terrys friends on the conga drums and tambourine. They were active members at a nearby neighborhood church, Spero Dei. We rest assured that Ricki and Terry have fully shared their vision and their boundless joy for years with friends who span the Nashville community and beyond. Ricki was an exceptional daughter to Linda and Woody, a loving sister to Wilson and Suzanne, and a loyal and caring friend to many. She possessed fervent faith and a strong connection to guidance from beyond. She believed angels had guided her many times in her life and helped her overcome all obstacles. And we believe the angels came and gathered her on that February night. All of us dear to Ricki feel blessed by her loving kindness. As one of her close friends commented, 'Now that she is an angel herself, we look forward to receiving further guidance.' A service in Rickis memory will be held Monday, March 6 at 11am at Vine Street Christian Church, 4101 Harding Pike in Nashville. The visitation will also be at Vine Street from 9:30-11am the same morning. The arrangements are made by Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Springfield Tennessee (www.austinandbell.com). In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ricki Baer may be made to Project Redesign P.O. Box 159276. Nashville, TN 37215, or to an animal rescue or conservation organization of your choice. Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000 Memorial Visitation Monday, March 6, 2023 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Vine Street Christian Church 4101 Harding Pike Nashville TN 37205 US Memorial Service Monday, March 6, 2023 11:00 AM - Vine Street Christian Church 4101 Harding Pike Nashville TN 37205 US Funeral HomeAustin & Bell Funeral Home Springfield 509 Walnut St. Springfield TN - 37172 US 615-384-1000 615-382-7449

Linda Rickman "Ricki" Baer

August 28, 1950 - February 17, 2023