Leona “Blondie” Ricketts, age 87, of Mason, Illinois passed away at 12:36 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, Illinois.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois with one hour viewing prior to service.  Pee Wee Denton will be officiating. Burial will take place in Keen’s Chapel Cemetery in rural LaClede, Illinois.  Visitation will be from 4p.m. to 8p.m Thursday July 6, 2017 at the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Full Gospel Church, Harvest Methodist Church both of Edgewood, Illinois or donor’s choice. 

Leona was born December 26, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Lester Hogshead and Catherine (Lee) Hogshead.  Leona was a member of the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois and faithful to the Women’s Warriors at the Full Gospel Church.  She was known in the community for her baking skills, especially her pies.  Leona married Charles Ricketts in Humboldt, Illinois, on November 12, 1946 and he proceeded her in death.  She then married Roy Ricketts on March 4, 1962 and he proceeded her in death in 1987.

Leona is survived by one son, Dennis Ricketts (wife Alicia) of Effingham, Illinois; two step-sons, John Ricketts of Edgewood, Illinois and Ronnie Ricketts (wife Judy) of Rural Vandalia, Illinois; two daughters, Judy Poe of Effingham, Illinois and Charlene Bailey (husband Don) of Edgewood, Illinois; five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Leona was proceeded in death by her parents, Lester and Catherine Hogshead; two step-sons, Roy Ricketts Jr. and Danny Ricketts.

 Service Information