Tammie N. Wiltsie

In Loving Memory of Tammie Wiltsie

With heavy hearts, we share that Tammie Wiltsie, 66, passed away on February 18, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her brain. The illness was aggressive and took her far too quickly, but in her final days she was surrounded by unwavering love — just as she had always surrounded others with hers.

Tammie was preceded in death by her parents, William Rickard and Bernice Rickard (Berg), and her brother, Scott Rickard.

She leaves behind the love of her life, her devoted husband Richard Wiltsie; her children, Justen Rickard, Jeremy Rickard (partner Nicole Nenarella), and Courtney Stranger (husband Justin Stranger); and her beloved grandchildren: Madison, Ryan, Donovan, Aubrey, Paige, Broderic, and Hadley — each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Ed Rickard (wife Cathy Rickard); her sister, Debrah Rickard; her close family member, Ellen Foster; and her many nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly.

Tammie lived fully and selflessly for her family. Being a wife, mother, and especially a grandmother was not just part of her life — it was her greatest purpose and deepest joy. Her grandchildren were the center of her world. She never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, hold them close, or remind them how deeply they were loved. Her love was steady, generous, and unconditional. She gave freely of herself, always putting others first and making sure everyone around her felt cared for and safe.

In her final days, the love she had poured into others was returned to her in abundance. Her nieces and nephews, along with her family, surrounded her with comfort, support, and tenderness. Their presence, prayers, and helping hands meant more than words can express and brought peace to her and to all of us during an unimaginably difficult time.

Those who knew Tammie will remember her warmth, her gentle spirit, and the quiet strength that carried her through life’s challenges. She had a nurturing heart and a way of making people feel at home the moment they walked through her door.

Tammie also had a special love for elephants. Her home reflected that passion — filled with elephant figures, lamps, paintings, and keepsakes that brought her comfort and joy. She was drawn to their gentle strength, their fierce devotion to family, and their deep emotional bonds. In so many ways, those qualities reflected who she was: strong yet tender, protective, loving, and forever devoted to her own herd.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the countless quiet sacrifices and acts of love she gave every single day. She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in our hearts.

Friends and family may call at the Behe Funeral Home Inc, 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00PM-3:00PM. All are welcome to share memories and condolences at Behefuneralhome.com.