Stephen L. Ricketts

Stephen Lavern Ricketts, 62, of Galesburg, died at 11:07 a.m. Saturday November 23, 2013 at home. Steve was born in Aledo, IL on November 15, 1951 the son of Harold and Hazel (Patterson) Ricketts.  He graduated from Aledo High School and Black Hawk College, East in Kewanee, IL.  Steve married Judy Lisenbee in 1972.  Together they had two sons, Greg Ricketts of Rockford, IL and Michael Ricketts of McHenry, IL; and one daughter, Rachel Mendoza of Moline, IL.  He later married Janet Lea Cunningham on February 11, 1993 in Galesburg, IL.  She survives of Galesburg.  Steve is also survived by two brothers, Jonathan Ricketts of Coal Valley, IL and Rodney Ricketts of Aledo, IL; one sister, Barbara Kratt of Coal Valley, IL; and five grandchildren, Ramiro, Ernando, and Emilio Mendoza, and Mathias and Tavia Dickerson.  Steve was preceded in death by his parents. Steve was a truck driver for 26 years.  He was a member of the First Church of God.  In his early years, Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Recently Steve had taken up woodworking making benches, bird houses, and other items.  A memorial service for Steve will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Church of God, Galesburg.  Rev. Dennis McQuown will officiate.  The family requests memorial contributions be made in Steve’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.