Veda Mae (Nicholes) Ricketts, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2020. She was born in Caldwell, Idaho on June 16, 1925 to Preston and Genevieve Nicholes. She grew up in the community of Huston, Idaho where her parents owned the Deer Flat Mercantile. She attended Caldwell High School (1943) and continued her education at Colorado Women's College and University of Oregon (1947). She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and the Junior League of Long Beach. She was married to Donald A. Wells and raised four daughters in Long Beach.
In 1979, Veda married James M. Ricketts and combined their two families for a total of 12 adult children. Veda and Jim loved to travel and visited many countries and had wonderful adventures together. After living in Falls Church, Virginia and Marina Del Rey, they retired to Newport Beach, California. They often spent weekends and winters at The Lakes in Palm Desert. She was a longstanding member of Santa Ana Country Club and was active on the women's golf team. She was most recently a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.
Veda was a loving daughter, sister, wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her large blended family and was always generous and welcoming. She prided herself on never forgetting a birthday or special occasion. She also made sure to prioritize time with her golf and bridge partners. She loved competitive golf and the camaraderie of her teammates both on and off the course.
Veda is survived by her four daughters; Kathy (Jesse) Voiles, Diane (Kurt ) Wood, Laurie Wells Heninger, and Jennifer (Trevor) Douglas, her five stepchildren; James (Robin) Ricketts, Greg (Connie) Ricketts, Jeff (Nene) Ricketts, Randall (Kari) Ricketts, Debbie (Kevin) Heenan, her two daughter in-laws; Joan (Dennis) Ricketts and Sheereen (Donovan) Ricketts, 29 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Ricketts, her step-children; Dennis, Donovan, and Deanne Ricketts, her parents, her brothers; Preston Robert (Bob) Nicholes and Bruce Nicholes both of Caldwell, Idaho.
Veda would be the first to say she lived a charmed life filled with love and happiness. She will be missed by her loving family and will be remembered for her generosity and love of life.
A celebration of life will be postponed at this time. Your patience and understanding is well appreciated.
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