Obits: Brown, Ricketts
William Brown:
William “Bill” Brown, 89 of Fairbury, passed away at 2:30 am, Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center, Piper City.
Per Bill’s request cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 1 to 5 pm, at the Fairbury VFW. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Bill was born July 30, 1928 in Barren County, KY; a son to Virgil and Eula (Hood) Brown. He married Frances Hines on August 28, 1954 in Fairbury. His wife, Frances survives in Fairbury.
Other survivors include four daughters, Brenda Varvel of Zephyrhills, FL; Bonnie Maurer of Fairbury; Barbara Dohman of Fairbury; Kristi (Steve) Sloan of Plano; one brother, Donald Brown of Fairbury; 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister, Mary Elizabeth Brown and one grandson, Michael Carey.
Mr. Brown served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany for over 3 years. He was employed as a truck driver for Limestone Transit, Fairbury and retired from Nussbaum Trucking, Normal. He also helped many local farmers haul or transport their crops in the fall.
Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairbury; I.O.O.F Lodge, Fairbury and the V.F.W. Post 886 in Pontiac. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending many winters in Texas in his camper. He had a love for animals, especially the many dogs he spoiled throughout his life that were his best buddies.
Mary Ruth Ricketts:
Mary Ruth Ricketts, 90, of Fairbury, passed away at 2:10am, April 1, 2018, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her 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.
