jane and perry rickel
Although Jane and Perry Rickel will be the first ones to tell you there’s nothing unique about them, after just a few minutes of sweet and humorous banter, it’s clear to see they’re actually quite special.
By:
Kimberly Suta
Photography By:
David Teran :: Family portraits by Kayla Jane Photography
Perry and Jane’s warm hearts and strong faith make for a genuine and authentic connection, not only between the delightful couple and their children, but also with the Cordillera Ranch community that they’re happily now a part of, as well as each and every person that has the pleasure to cross their path.
In fact, it’s their faith that served as the foundation for their relationship very early on. Perry and Jane’s story began in their teenage years when they first met at a high school youth group in Lubbock, Texas, where they both grew up. Even then, there was something unique about their connection.
“Our fathers were small business owners in Lubbock and we’re both from larger families, so our early years were pretty similar. We watched our parents sacrifice their own comfort for their families and for the future of their businesses,” said Jane. “Our parents expected us to work hard and they set a great example,” agreed Perry.
“I remember the first time I saw Perry. He was cruising up on a motorcycle at a high school youth group event. We met and sat together, then he nonchalantly shared with me that his parents didn’t even know he had a motorcycle. As a rule-follower, I was naturally horrified, so my resolve to stay away from him lasted until he asked me out a couple of days later. He was really attractive,” Jane laughed. “We dated a little, but we were so different, we ended up having just a really great friendship.”
Over the next several years, their lives crisscrossed often, establishing a bond that was rooted in an enduring friendship that became a steady foundation for what would later blossom into a lifelong love story — one marked by mutual respect, faith and a deep understanding and appreciation of one another.
Perry and Jane both attended Texas Tech University, where Perry studied Public Relations and Marketing and Jane studied Education. After graduation, Perry took a job in Dallas, but then ended up moving back to Lubbock to take over the West Texas regional sales rep position for a surgical device company. This is when their “friend zone” status began to disintegrate. “As we spent more time together, we realized that our friendship had evolved, so we began to date exclusively,” shared Perry.
It was about this time that Perry was offered a job in Denver, Colorado, working for a real estate lender. “Three months later, we were engaged and planning a wedding,” said Perry. “I started my own real estate lending company in April and we were married in June of 1996.”
“Skiing, mountain biking, and doing whatever travel we could afford made those early years in Colorado a lot of fun,” Jane recalled. “I was building a small business, Jane was finishing her student teaching, and we were youth leaders at our church, but we were always looking ahead and thinking about the family we would share,” said Perry.
“One day I was listening to a woman tell her story about adopting her daughter and I felt something shift deep inside,” said Jane. “Although neither of our families were built through adoption, Jane and I felt that God was calling us to build our family through adoption,” added Perry.
Still in their twenties, the Rickels decided to begin their biological family, then pursue adoption when they were a little older. They welcomed Caleb in 1999, Avery in 2003, and Grace in 2005.
“Our lives were extremely full and all about shepherding young hearts and minds. Those days seem like a blur — school activities, sports, clubs, work and always trying to end the day with family dinner,” remembered Perry.
The Rickels also shared their love of skiing with the kids. “From the time the kids were 3 years old, we had them on skis. Perry taught each of them to ski and for years we spent almost every weekend in the mountains,” said Jane, “We made some great memories.”
In 2006, Perry and a partner launched Marrick Medical. Marrick creates access to healthcare for people in their time of need.
The family decided to move forward with adoption in 2011, after much discussion and prayer. Four years later, the whole family traveled to Madurai, India, to welcome their beautiful, 4-year-old girl, Jhansi, into the family. “We were matched with Jhansi a year before we were allowed to meet her in person. That was extremely tough for all of us, but she’s a Rickel through-and-through. God had us in mind for her and her in mind for us,” Jane confided.
Perry and Jane are quick to note that their family’s story has been one of continual growth. Caleb has since moved from Denver to San Antonio and is going back to school at San Antonio College, where he is studying Marketing. Avery and Grace both attend Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where Avery is studying Interior Design and Grace is studying Business. And Jhansi, the only one still living at home, is thriving at The Winston School in San Antonio.
Now, after almost three decades and four children — Caleb, Avery, Grace and Jhansi — their journey is a testament to living with purpose and embracing every chapter with open hearts.
“Our faith is the foundation of everything we do,” said Jane. “It’s what led us to adoption, what strengthens our family, and what shapes the way we serve our community.”
Adventure has also played a central role in the Rickels’ lives, from Perry’s love of motorcycles to the family’s shared passion for travel. Together, the Rickel family has explored far-off destinations, including Africa, where they helped support a school that grew from 12 students to over 2,000. Their travels are as much about giving back as they are about discovering new places, and they hope to continue exploring together.
“In 2020 we decided to move back to Texas. Colorado had been great to our family during our working years, but it was time to return to our roots,” Perry explained. They weren’t just seeking a change of scenery — they were looking for a place that felt like home. “Our community in Colorado was very special and were hoping to replicate it — Texas style,” he added.
Their search led them to Cordillera Ranch. From the moment they drove through the gates, Perry and Jane knew they’d found it. “The rolling hills, sculptural live oak, wildlife and especially the golf course — it was like stepping into the place we’d always imagined,” said Perry.
At home, the Rickels love nothing more than spending time with family and friends. “Family dinners remain important to us,” said Perry, with Jane adding, “We’re so grateful that our extended family is close by — it’s a joy to have the house filled with young cousins and friends during holidays and get-togethers.”
Looking to the future, Perry and Jane hope to travel more, serve their community further, and savor the slower pace that Cordillera Ranch offers. “None of us are promised tomorrow,” reflected Perry. “For now, we’re just grateful to be here, building a life we love and spending time with the people who matter most. Our move to Cordillera Ranch has been a blessing. We’re closer to family and enjoying building friendships that we believe will last a lifetime.”
As they celebrate 29 years of marriage this coming June, Jane and Perry Rickel are a reminder that family, faith and a little bit of adventure can make life not just fulfilling, but extraordinary.
