William J. Ricketts

Bill Ricketts, 84, died August 30, 2010 after a short illness. He was born on January 29, 1926, in Port Huron to William F. and Hazel (McIntyre) Ricketts. He married Catherine M. Doherty on October 5, 1946, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary Parish. He retired from Citizens Federal Savings as a Senior Vice-President after 40 years of service. He was active in the St. Stephen's alumni, as well as the Breakfast Optimist, Sons of the American Legion, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Knights of Columbus St. Stephen's No. 521, later transferring to the Marysville Knights of Columbus. Most recently, he made daily trips to the Cigar Rack (local pool hall) to visit his fellow classmate Joe Abdo where he would have a diet coke and candy bar for lunch.

Bill and Catherine were longtime members of the Saltan Dance Club and are current members of the American Legion Dance Club. They spent many a Saturday night with friends at the Fogcutter Restaurant dancing to Bill Hampton's music and later Lee Emig's music. They also spent winters for many years in Jensen Beach, Florida.

He is survived by his wife Catherine of 63 years, four daughters, Mary Sue (Dan) Pompa of Allen Park, Kathie (Rick) Haas of Northville, Linda (Ed) Dezic of Boynton Beach, FL, and Rocky (Don) Piper of New Baltimore, eight grandchildren; Bill Drayton, Kim Drayton, Michael (fiancee Anita Rice) Pompa, Bryan Pompa, Betsy (Chris) Keimig, Christie Piper, Jackie Piper, Matt Piper, two sisters; Anne Marie (Tom) Rowe of Auburn Hills, Pat Sauve of Sarnia, and step-brother Richard (Myrt) Sullivan of Port Huron, many nieces and nephews as well as his most recent four-legged friend Molly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters Betty Kearns and Rosemary Hynes.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 2 nd from 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. (rosary at 6:15P.M.) at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. Visitation on Friday, September 3 rd from 10 to 10:40 A.M. will be at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with the procession to St. Mary Church where the Funeral Mass will be at 11 A.M.

Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Church, League of Catholic Women Scholarship Fund, or Blue Water Hospice. For guest book and information, please visit karrersimpsonfuneralhome.com .