Born Ricci Ann Symmonds on June 5, 1959 in Carthage, Illinois to David and Develle. She grew up in Pittsboro, Indiana with her two sisters Robyn and Pam. Ricci attended Tri-West High School was a member of National Honor Society and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1977. After graduation she attended Indiana Business College. She worked at Public Service Indiana until she took a job with Indianapolis Power and Light where she worked for 20 years. Ricci married Timothy Blacker on February 27, 1988. She was President of Indianapolis Chapter of Executive Women’s International. She volunteered for the United Way Campaign as well as numerous other organizations.