Sylvia Rickels, 90 , of Anamosa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Friday April 3, 2026 after a brief illness.

Sylvia was born June 14, 1935, at home in Wyoming, Iowa, a daughter of the late Margaret and Werner Bendixen.
Sylvia graduated from Wyoming High School in 1953. She started her working career at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, transitioned to J.C. Penney Co. in Maquoketa, and then to Citizens State Bank in Wyoming, Iowa.  Finally, for 30 years, Sylvia was employed as an accountant by Iowa Prison Industries in the Iowa Department of Corrections Facility, Anamosa, Iowa.

After retiring, Sylvia enjoyed renovating fixer-upper houses, finishing the last one at the age of 82.  Faith was a quiet but steady presence in her life and she had regularly attended church services. She had a passion for gardening and enjoyed the beauty of the plants and flowers in her manicured yard. Sylvia's preference for the color purple was indicative of her rich, royal character - loving, caring, and happy. Her greatest pride and happiness, however,  came from her three sons, their families, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Margaret and Werner Bendixen, Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Rickels. She was also preceded by her siblings and their spouses, Helen (Wrenden) Fall, Hans Bendixen, Anna Marie Entsminger, Werner Jr. (Joan) Bendixen, and Chris (Carol) Bendixen.

Sylvia is survived by her significant other and dedicated partner, Eldon Covington, her children, Douglas (Joni), Daniel (Jodi), andDerek (Karen), her grandchildren, Casey (Matt) Grace, Hale(Breanna) Rickels, Emma Rickels, Alyssa (Ryan) Spiegel, andAbigail Rickels, her great grandchildren, Oliver and Stella Grace,Harvey Rickels, and Tate Spiegel.  Her surviving siblings include Richard (Arlene) Bendixen, Margaret (Tom) Rohwedder, Evelyn (Jim) Heinsius, and Chrystal (Steve) Klatt. In addition, she is lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and the Covington children, Steve, Kim, Terry, Kyle and their families.

Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to the Youth Group at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, Monticello, Iowa, in her memory.

At Sylvia's request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. We now let go of a remarkable woman, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a kind soul. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, joy, and kindness that were the essence of her being.