Della E. Ricketts

Della E. Ricketts, 96, of Lancaster, Ohio, went to be with her Lord at Bickford of Lancaster on July 17, 2018 at 12:23 PM surrounded by family.Della was born August 25, 1921 in Sugar Grove, Ohio to Jesse and Emma (Krile) Shull. She graduated from Berne Union High School in 1939 and married Harry H. Ricketts on May 31, 1941 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Logan, Ohio. Harry and Della had celebrated 76 years of marriage before his death in August of 2017.

Della was also preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Betty Primmer, her sisters Nellie, Mary and Martha Shull, a brother Jimmy Shull and son-in-law, Ron Abel.

Della is survived by her daughter Ginger Abel and her son Mike (Lise) Ricketts, her four grandchildren: Stephanie (David) Hohmann, Ryan Phipps, Kristin (Bart) Smith, Lauren (Keith) Ricketts-Blakley. Della had an exceptional love for all her great-grandchildren JT and Shannon Jackson-Hohmann, Vince Hohmann, Shelby Phipps (Tyler Henderson), Lillie and Jackson Phipps, Amelia and William Smith. Della is also survived by her sister Rose Doty and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Della worked at Plant 2 for Anchor Hocking and later the downtown offices until her retirement. After retirement she spent most of her time taking care of family and working at the family business, Ricketts Excavating. Della was passionate about her church where she served the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League locally and at the state level as zone treasurer. Della also was active with all church activities and a member of the Ohio Child Conservation League where she served in numerous capacities. Many would remember Della for her love of hosting dinners and playing euchre at the various card clubs with her friends and family. Della’s favorite past time was spending winters in Florida at her Lake Highlander home where she was active in the community and formed many friendships.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Della’s many caregivers over the past four years and to Fair HoPe Hospice and Pallative Care of Lancaster. Memorial donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran or to FairHoPe Hospice and Pallative Care of Lancaster.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, 436 North Broad Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday at 11:00 with visitation 30 minutes prior to the service.; 1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130. A public luncheon will follow services at Redeemer Lutheran. A private burial at Maple Grove Cemetery will be held at a later time.