Mike Ricketts, age 71 of Lancaster, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the Pickering House after an extended illness. He was surrounded by friends and family who visited the days leading up to and at the time of his passing. Mike was born April 11, 1951, in Lancaster, OH, the son of the late Harry and Della (Shull) Ricketts. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lise (Edwards) Ricketts; children: Kristin (Bart) Smith of Thornville, and Lauren Ricketts (David Chen) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Amelia, William, and Benjamin Smith; his sister, Ginger Abel; his sisters-in-law Diane (Fred) Lutz, Lou Cynda (Bob) Putnam; brother-in-law Bert (Sue) Edwards and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Ron Abel. Mike was a 1969 graduate of Lancaster High School and attended Ohio University in Athens. Mike was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was owner and President of Ricketts Excavating, Inc. and retired from the family business in 2014. Mike was also a member of the Lancaster Country Club for over 30 years and recently became a proud member of a community group that re-invested as owners of the Lancaster Golf Club to keep the golf course around for future generations. Mike enjoyed volunteering as a coach for his daughters’ basketball and softball teams. Mike supported many local organizations through his business. Mike enjoyed traveling with his family. Recently, Mike and Lise traveled to Canada to enjoy the splendor of the Rocky Mountains via train. Mike always looked forward to his annual guys golfing trip to Arizona of which he only missed twice in 25 years. The family would like to thank the close friends and family that have made the last few months of Mike’s life extra special. The family is very appreciative of the care Mike received from the many doctors, nurses, and aides. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home at 436 North Broad Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130. Cremation with a private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairfield Area Humane Society, 1721 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130, or The Ricketts Family Scholarship Fund at Redeemer Lutheran Preschool, 1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130, or FAIRHOPE Hospice, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, OH 43130.
