Robert "Bob" Ricketts, 78, of Shell Knob, passed away Tuesday June 20, 2023.  He was born October 14, 1944 to parents Maurice and Wilma Ricketts from Fairbury, Illinois.

Bob was a country boy who didn't know how to stop working.  In September 2022 he was honored by the Operators Union Local 150 for 50 years of dedicated service.  He could build a car from the ground up and spent many weekends at the dirt track races with his son and grandson.  He was a kind man who would do anything to help, whether it be family, friend, or a stranger.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved fur babies.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gail of 31 years; siblings Wayne (Donna) Ricketts, Marlene (Gene) Colclasure, Barbara Allen; children, Stephanie Babbs, Troy (Laurie) Ricketts, Ryan Ricketts, Trent Ricketts, Heath (Teresa) Forney, Sr., Heidi Forney and Christina Forney;  Grandchildren, Krystal Yunker, Ashley Forney, Heath Forney, Jr., Kayla (Damian) Reed, Jeremy Babbs, Wesley Ricketts, Charles Babbs, Heather (Chris) Crosthwait and Kyle Forney; 6 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews & many friends.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor this great man at a future date to be determined.  The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary, 9617 Farm Rd 2190, Washburn, MO 65772.

His care has been entrusted to White Funeral Home in Cassville, MO.