Katherine G. Ricketts, 79, longtime Columbus resident and educator, died peacefully Tuesday morning, August 24, 2021 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio.
She was born August 11, 1942 in Cincinnati to the late John and Elizabeth (Yoder) Bach. Kathy was raised on the family farm in Belle Center, Ohio. She was the Belle Center High School 1959 homecoming queen and graduated in 1960 as Valedictorian. She was married to Richard Paul Ricketts in 1963 and he preceded her in death. She graduated from The Ohio State University and later earned two master’s degrees. She worked for Columbus City Schools as an English teacher, Guidance Counselor, and Principal.
Kathy will be remembered for her love of gardening, canning, and excellent cooking, as well as her love of antiques. She enjoyed traveling to the western US when her family was young and annual visits to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels and her feline companions.
Kathy is survived by sons, Gregory (Anne) Ricketts of Findlay and Douglas (Tracy) Ricketts of Duluth, Minnesota; grandchildren, Tom, Megan, Katie, Rachael, and Amy Ricketts; and siblings, Linda (Tom) Pincu, Jack (Linda) Bach, Jim Bach, and Susan (Sam) Mumley.
Kathy’s family will celebrate her life with a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made payable to Bridge Hospice or National Emphysema Foundation and sent to Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.
Friends, former students, and colleagues are encouraged to share memories and photos on Kathy’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.