Opal Earleen Ricketts

Opal Earleen Ricketts longtime resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma passed from this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 84 years, eight months and twenty nine days. Earleen was born on March 12, 1929, in Morris, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Earl Bailey and Beuna Alice (Burris) Davis. While living in the Morris area Earleen began elementary school there and later moved with her parents to Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Her family then moved to Mannford and later to Cleveland where she graduated high school. On November 6, 1946, in Wellington, Kansas; Earleen was united in marriage to the love of her life Donald Lee Ricketts. Earleen and Speedy established their initial home in Cleveland and later moved to California. After a brief stay in California Earleen and Speedy returned to Cleveland where they have continued to reside. Earleen worked at the Western Auto in Cleveland and in the early 1970ís gained employment with the Hissom Memorial Center in Sand Springs. During the time Earleen worked at Hissom she always felt she was getting paid twice. Her paycheck as well as the experience and love the kids gave her were more than she could ever imagine. Earleen retired from the Hissom Memorial center in the late 1980ís after over 18 years of service. Following retirement Earleen also worked at Oklahoma Tire and Supply as well as a private nurse for several years. Earleen loved to cook and made the best chicken and noodles that could be made. She also loved the holidays. Earleen loved the time spent with her family and loved each and every minute. Earleen was a very giving person and made Christmas special to several children during the time she was at Hissom. Often bringing them to her home and buying gifts and sharing the love she had to offer. In the early 1990ís, Earleen and Speedy began traveling with the Baptist Builders. They have traveled throughout the United States helping establish and erect over 40 churches and buildings. On November of this year Earleen and Speedy celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They have also been members of the First Baptist Church in Terlton since 1958. Earleen was a true believer in Christ and a wonderful Sunday school teacher for many years. Survivors are her loving husband Speedy of the home; two sons, Rodney and Amy Ricketts of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Thomas and Peggy Ricketts of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter in law Debby Ricketts of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one sister Josephine Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brandi Nicole McCormack of Owasso, Oklahoma, Katrina Ann Bridgeman and her husband Jerry of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Thomas Adam Ricketts and his wife Joanna of Owasso, Oklahoma, John Curtis Ricketts and his wife Angie of Edmond, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Wayne and Susan Ricketts of Owasso, Oklahoma, Christy Lynn and Wander Tavares of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Nathan Joe Ricketts and Stephanie of Claremore, Oklahoma, Rodney Earl Ricketts of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Libby Berry of Morrison, Oklahoma, Rhonda Rosson and Tommy of Perkins, Oklahoma, Eric Ricketts and Susie of Foraker, Oklahoma; numerous great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren as well as numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing. In addition to her parents Earleen was preceded in death by her son Wayne Ricketts; brothers Curtis Earl Davis, Benny Frank Davis, sisters Edna Edwards, Jesse Mae Denny; grandsons Howard Stephen Ricketts, Brandon Carl Ricketts and a granddaughter Catherine Ricketts Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, December 13, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Terlton, Oklahoma with Rev. Scott Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.