Fairbury – Mary Ruth Ricketts, 90, of Fairbury, passed away at 2:10am, April 1, 2018, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

He funeral will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury. Pastor Tom Krieger will be officiating.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm, also on Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Southeastern Livingston County Ambulance Service, Trinity Lutheran Church, or Alzheimer's Association.

Mary Ruth was born November 13,1927, in Wing, the daughter of Shelby Ezra and Clella Maude Perkins Stephens. She married Lyle K. Ricketts on October 11, 1946, in Fairbury. He passed away on November 16, 1984.

Surviving are her children, Kathy (Don) Poppe, Steven L. Ricketts, and Jan (John) Reis all of Fairbury; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; sister Hazel Honzik of FL and brother, Thomas (Carolyn) Stephens of Forrest.

She was preceded in death by one infant son, one daughter, two grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.

Mary Ruth is a 1945 graduate of Saunemin High School. She was a sales clerk for Walton's Department Store, Fairbury and last worked at the local floral shop until she retired at the age of 80.

She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury where she was very active and a part of the WELCA.

Mary Ruth volunteered for the American Red Cross. the Westview reading program, and the Helen Lewis Smith Pavilion. She especially loved her time volunteering in floral hall at the fair.

Mary Ruth never knew a stranger because of the love and value she placed in her friendships and family.