RUBY STROUD RICKETTS

Ruby Stroud Ricketts went home to be with the Lord, Sunday January 17th, 2010, at her home at Belvedere Commons, Panama City. Born to Dr. W.F. and Lola Stroud, June 24th, 1917 in Pinola, Mississippi, she was raised in Mt Olive, Mississippi, the seventh of eight children. She received an associate degree from Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, MS. Ruby lived in many places with her husband of 57 years including: East Texas, South Louisiana, Caracas, Venezuela, Shreveport, LA, Midland, Texas, before settling in Lafayette, LA for forty-four years. She and her husband then moved to Panama City, in 1997.
She was predeceased by her husband, Edmund Lee Ricketts, her parents, and six brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee Fraser and husband, Howell, Panama City, FL, her son, Randall Ricketts, Lindale, TX and son, Chip Ricketts and wife, Deedee, Highland Village, TX. She had seven grandchildren, Lee Fraser, wife, E Vickie, Alan Fraser, wife, Pam, Rodman Ricketts and Sophie Ricketts, Jason Ricketts, Brian Ricketts, wife, Lisa, and Elizabeth Ricketts. She also had four great grandchildren, Callie and Corban Fraser, Reagan and Anya Fraser. She is also survived by one sister, Emma Stroud Griffin, Meridian, MS, sister-in-law, Lee Caldwell, Silsbee, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruby was raised a Baptist, but joined Grace Presbyterian Church in later years. She gave a love for the Lord to her children.
She was the consumate artist, proficient in oils and acrylics, she specialized in marsh and swamp scenes around South Louisiana. She loved abstract art, winning awards with her creations. She learned jewelry design, wood carving, sculpting, watercolor and pottery. She sewed from the time she was eleven years old. She could take a picture and cut out her own patterns, making not only clothing, but costumes. She designed and made porcelain dolls. She upholstered furniture, tiled floors and was the contractor on three homes. She wrote songs, short stories and in later years wrote many letters to the editor in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser that would be just as timely in today's political scene. She used humor to make her points, keeping up with the latest news and politics.
The family would like to especially thank the staff at Belvedere Commons for their loving care of Miss Ruby. There will be a celebration of her life Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 2:00 at Belvedere Commons, formerly Benton Village, with Reverend Tully Hunter officiating. A reception follows.
Ruby went out of her way to help those in need, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Presbyterian Church USA, Disaster Relief Fund for Haiti (pcusa.org).

Wilson Funeral Home