Roscoe Eugene “Gene” Ricketts, 90, of Little River, passed away October 26, 2022, at his home. He was born November 30, 1931, in Westphalia, the son of Roscoe Esmond and Lydia Ellen Smith Ricketts.
Gene has resided in Little River for the past 66 years, formerly of Geneseo. He graduated from Geneseo High School with the class of 1949. Gene served in the United States Navy from April 2, 1951 until his honorable discharge on March 24, 1955. He worked for twenty years as a machinist at Cessna in Hutchinson, Kansas, and for twenty years as a United Parcel Service (UPS) driver. Gene was also a road grader operator for Rockville Township, a farm hand and foster parent. He was a member of the Congregational Church, Little River; member of Moose Lodge #982 of Hutchinson; and a member of the Dwight Lamson Post #258 American Legion of Little River, where he held various offices. Gene was a ‘jack of all trades’, enjoyed woodworking; and most of all watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. On October 7, 1956, Gene was united in marriage with Karen Burke in Little River. They have shared 66 years of marriage.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen of the home; two sons, James Ricketts and wife Judy of PA, and Mitchell Ricketts of McPherson; two daughters, Jane Richards of Park City, and Shelby Stabile and husband Jonathan of NH; two sisters, Wynona Soler of TX, and Gaye Dyck of TX; five grandchildren, Abbi Downing and husband Darrin of Wichita, Courtney Ewertt and husband Shane of Little River, Lauren Young and husband Gage of Cheney, Elizabeth Stabile of NH, and Gabriella Stabile of NH; and seven great-grandchildren, Jhet, Eisley, Daxton, Eastyn, Everett, Whitten, and Will. Gene is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Norma Owings.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 P.M., Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Bean Memorial Cemetery. Military honors will be by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M., Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present.