Dorothy L. Ricketts, 94, of Galesburg, IL, formerly of Little York, IL, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Hawthorne Inn of Galesburg.
She was born on March 7, 1931, in Revere, MO, the daughter of Melvin and Hazel (Killdoo) Wilson. She was raised and educated in the Revere area and proudly graduated from Revere High School. Following her graduation, she continued her education at Quincy Business College, where she studied for two years.
On March 25, 1956, Dorothy was united in marriage to Wilbur A. Ricketts in Anson, MO. Their marriage was one of devotion and partnership until Wilbur’s passing on December 2, 2007.
Dorothy devoted her life to her family as a homemaker, finding her greatest joy in raising and caring for those she loved. She was often in the kitchen cooking meals or baking delicious pies, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Dorothy enjoyed sewing and gardening. She was a longtime member of Little Cedar Church in Little York. Dorothy was a proud member of the Farmerettes in Little York.
Surviving Dorothy are her children, Rhonda (Steve) Plaeger of Petersburg, IL, Brenda (Gregg) Witherell of Galesburg, IL, Michael (Trina) Ricketts of Monmouth, IL; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Foucault of Evansville, IN, Timothy (Joani) Bellinger of Alexis, IL, Abigail (James) Noel of Petersburg, IL, Hannah (Zane) Kyes of Oakford, IL, Nathan (Taylor) Ricketts of Mooresville, NC, Morgan (Daniel) Kamman of Port Orchard, WA, Nolan (Macie) Ricketts of Sneads Ferry, NC; eleven great grandchildren with two expected this spring; step grandchildren, Kayla (Luke) Hunter of Edwards, IL, Teale (Stefan) Tuszynski of Galesburg, IL, Micah (Sara) Witherell of Galesburg, IL; plus step great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Ronald (Joan) Wilson of Overland Park, KS and Robert (Joan) Wilson of Starkville, MS; sister-in-law, Lois Ricketts of Aledo, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband; one sister, Eloise Wilson; and one brother, Richard Wilson.
Dorothy’s family would like to thank Hawthorne Inn & Hospice Compassus for the outstanding care they provided.
Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at the funeral home till 5:00 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Cedar Creek Cemetery, Little York, IL, at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Little York Fire Department or Little Cedar Church, Little York. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
