Obituary of Billy Ray Ricketts

Bill (Billy) Ricketts passed away in his sleep on April 17th, 2023, in Colorado Springs, CO. 

Bill was born in Fort Worth, TX on November 17th, 1928, to James D. Ricketts and Jessie Nell Ricketts. 

Bill graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, TX, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University. He worked as a Pharmaceutical Representative and manager for Wallace Laboratories for 16 years and for the last 3 years he was the Western Regional Manager covering all states west of the Mississippi River. After his pharmaceutical career he went on to own his own oilfield pipe and equipment company and worked in this industry for 8 years before retiring. 

Bill was in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant, and was discharged on August 2, 1954.

Bill enjoyed traveling the country and was an avid baseball fan. His favorite team was the Colorado Rockies. 

Bill met Elizabeth Trotter in Fort Worth, Texas in 1977 and the two were married on April 23, 1978. They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and watching sporting events together. They moved to Woodland Park, CO in 1986, then moved to their forever home in Colorado Springs in 1995.

Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother; and his son Billy Ray Ricketts, Jr. He is survived by Elizabeth, his loving wife of 45 years; his daughter, Karen Phillips of Parker, CO; granddaughters, Carey, Ashley, and Paige; and great-granddaughter, Journey. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude children’s research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Shriners Hospital for Children (specifically Chicago Hospital), P.O. Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438-4510; or Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, 2550 Tenderfoot hill St., Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pikes Peak Hospice and all the staff that cared for Billy in his final days. 

Services will be held at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, with military honors, on May 1st at 1:00 p.m.