Mary Ann (Galliart) Ricketts, 87, a long time resident of Sublette, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Long Term Care Unit in Satanta, Kansas. She was born June 20, 1934 to Rachael (Heinitz) and Fredrick Galliart in rural Barton County, Kansas. She married Gene Ricketts on November 23, 1952 at the Sublette Christian Church.
Mary Ann was the mother of six children. Her most repeated story was the unexpected birth of their set of twins. She carefully and lovingly took care of her children and faithfully attended their many activities. She earned a little side money by painting for her brother-in-law, Charlie Key. Mary Ann enjoyed her many friends and loved to socialize. She had many hobbies that included crochet, working with stained glass, and crafting ceramics. Her love for anything that could be planted showed as she carefully and meticulously cared for her many house plants and her flowers. She also cared for her husband, Gene, until he passed on June 17, 1998.
As a grandmother, Mary Ann showed so much pride in her grandkids. She went to numerous ballgames and school activities of the grandkids who lived close. Mary Ann loved to make picture books of all the school pictures and any special pictures she could get her hands on. She worked so hard to keep a spotless house and weed-free yard. Mary Ann always loved hearing the many adventures or pursuits of any of her offspring, often repeating the stories to anyone who would listen.
While her later months were spent in the long term care unit, she never tired of trying to “join in the fun,” especially playing any kind of Bingo. The care workers all seemed to be in unison when they spoke about how kind Mary Ann was and how much she will be missed. Her memory faded some but she still showed that same pride when she would hear of or see one of her precious offspring. She absolutely loved Facetime, which provided a loving connection with all of her family.
She is survived by her children, Kim Ricketts and partner Tristian Rodriquez of Wichita, KS, Lynn Ricketts Pyatt of Woodward, OK, Terri Ricketts Hodges and husband Ralph of Ardmore, OK, Dawna Ricketts Forester and husband Roy of Sublette, Chris Ricketts and wife Diana of Sublette, and Traci Ricketts Mikkelsen and husband Rod of Hobson, MT; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Shirley Neuzum, and Lorene Quint, both of Garden City, KS.
She is preceded in death by husband, Gene Ricketts; a sister, Wilma Key; brothers, Wilbur Galliart, and Richard Galliart; and son-in-law, Russ Pyatt.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at the Sublette Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Caddell officiating. Interment will follow at the Haskell County Cemetery. The service will be streamed on WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made payable to Sublette Public Schools Foundation to purchase a bench at the walking track or to the Satanta Long Term Care Unit in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877.
