Retha Kay Ricketts

Retha was born on August 1, 1971, in Cincinnati, OH. She moved to AZ with her family when she was 3 years old. She grew up in Mesa, AZ where she attended school.

Retha was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was devoted to her family, supporting their needs and wants above her own.

She helped to take care of her 93-year-old mother, Juanita Smith. Retha was always close to her mother and made sure she was always well taken care of. Retha played cards with her mother and spent time talking and going out to eat on a weekly basis.

She was a dog mother to Max, for over 15 years, and Brutus and Bear who are 6 years. She made sure they were all healthy and well fed by making homemade dog food for them.

Retha recently got into gardening. She has created vegetable gardens and fruit trees in her backyard in San Tan Valley, AZ, where she resided with her husband and son. She loved music with her favorite artist being John Denver. Retha enjoyed the outdoors, camping and sightseeing.

Retha joins her son, Mathew, and her dog, Max, in heaven where they are now reunited.

Retha will be truly missed by her family and friends. There will be a permanent hole in their lives. Retha is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Keith Ricketts, Sr, and 3 children, Amber, Amanda and Keith Jr. as well as 6 sisters and brothers, 5 sisters & Brothers-in-law, her loving mother, Juanita and several nieces and nephews.

She will always be in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Please wear purple in honor of Retha.