Holle Elke Schneider-Ricks was born in Troppau, Tchechoslowakia on May 8th in 1944 and grew up in post-war Germany. In 1964, she moved to Arlington, Virginia and became an American citizen in 1967. In 1969, Holle married Charles E. Schneider and they resided in Columbia, Maryland. In May 1985, Holle graduated Summa cum laude from the University of Maryland with a Masters in Library Science.

Holle worked as a librarian at Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia before moving to South Carolina. Starting in 1993 she worked as a librarian and interpreter before becoming Assistant Dean of the Library at USC Spartanburg.

In 1995, Holle grieved the loss of Charles, her beloved “Bunny”.

Starting in 1998 Holle tirelessly researched, interviewed and co-authored a book with Brigitte Neary. “Voices of Loss and Courage” was her passion project, dedicated to memorializing German women who were stigmatized by living through, then being displaced by World War II. Holle was unswervingly committed to amplifying and sharing their legacy.

In September of 2000, Holle married Gerald “Jerry” Ricks and found love again with her “Pupilien”. After retiring she enjoyed gardening, preparing traditional German cuisine and spending time with her friends and family.

She peacefully slipped into eternal rest after a courageous journey of declining health on June 29th while in hospice care.

Holle was survived by her husband, “Jerry” Ricks; granddaughter, Kristin Schneider (Erik), great-grandsons - Jacob, Elijah and Samuel; grandson, Matthew Schneider (Sarah), great-granddaughter - Mahayla; sisters Hede Steiner and Helgard Huber; nieces - Sandra, Ruth, Edith, Heide-Lee, Helgard-Elke, and Kristina; nephews - Bert and Franz.

Holle was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Luzia Hasler; husband, Charles E. Schneider; and sister, Krista Ilzhöfer.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The World Wildlife Federation or a literary or local charity of choice.