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Shirley Ann (Ball) Ricketts, age 80 of Alex, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2026, in Paola, Kansas; with family by her side. She was born March 2, 1946, at Patrick, the daughter of Marion Elvis Ball and Nellie Ann (Hall) Ball. She grew up around the Combs area. She lived in Patrick until she got married at age 16, to Archel Ricketts. She and Archel moved to Parker, Washington in 1970 and lived there until 1977. They moved back to Alex, Arkansas; and continued raising their two sons, James and Steve. Shirley was an amazing homemaker, mother, grandmother and caregiver. She was a hard worker all her life and worked various jobs throughout the years to help provide for her family. Her storytelling was legendary and really captivated the minds of her grandchildren, Patricia, Karen and Justin Ricketts. She had the attention of the whole room every time she told a story. You always knew you were loved when you were in her presence because she made sure to tell you how much she loved you. Shirley had many hobbies including making jewelry, gardening and refurbishing antiques. She never missed a good garage sale!! Shirley was an avid writer of poetry. She loved to dance with her husband around the old buffet and was passionate about music. She was so intuitive about other’s feelings. She would do her best to make you feel better if you were feeling down. She had a special place in her heart for her little brother, Chester Ball. They had an unbreakable bond from the time they were young. Chester was always there to support her, and she was there to support him as well. Shirley moved to Osawatomie, Kansas in 2019 to live with Chester and Sandy Ball. The love between siblings was as strong as ever. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces, nephews and their children. Shirley spent the last years of her life enjoying all the things she loved. Chester and Sandy made sure she lived life to the fullest and took care of her every need. We know Shirley is in Heaven with her husband, son and grandson and no longer in pain. She had a great love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archel Ricketts; one son, Steve Ricketts; one grandson, Justin Ricketts; her parents, Elvis and Nellie Ball; her siblings, Calvin and his wife, Carol Ball, Mary May (Ball) Thomas, and Jasper Ball; and one nephew, Bobby Ball. Shirley is survived by her son, James Elvis Ricketts, of Prineville, Oregon; grandchildren Patrica Ricketts and Karen Ricketts of Charleston, Arkansas; her brother Chester (Sandy) Ball of Osawatomie, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Brashears Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM. Pallbearers will be Eddie Ball, Lane Ball, Ty McClendon, Elvis Ball, Michael Ball, and Brad McNish. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Ball, Rex Ball, Daniel Ball, Russ Jackson, and James Ricketts. Interment will immediately follow services at Patrick Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Shirley Ricketts

March 2, 1946 - July 8, 2026