Melvin James Ricketts

Melvin James Ricketts, 77, of University Place, Washington, died at home on April 4, 2025, after a lengthy illness.  He was born May 27, 1947, in Urbana, Illinois, to Bernard and Amy Calkins Ricketts.  He grew up with his older brother, Stephen.                         

He married Karen Freeden in Hannibal, NY in 1982.

He attended Urbana High School, followed by Eastern Illinois University, and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Washington State University.  His engineering career began with Kraft General Foods in Woodburn, OR and took him to Fulton, NY, Waseca, MN and finally Tacoma, WA.  One of the highlights of his career was being awarded the Kraft General Foods Eagle Award for excellence in engineering.  He received his Professional Engineer certification while working in Woodburn, OR.  He retired in 2006, ending his career at the former Nalley’s facility in Tacoma.

His hobbies included astrophotography, woodworking, classical music, playing the piano, computer programming, coin and stamp collecting and playing chess on-line.

Melvin was preceded in death by his mother and father and is survived by his wife, Karen Ricketts, daughter Madison Munroe, his brother, Stephen (Gloria) Ricketts, niece Jennifer Lopeman, nephew David Ricketts (Tiffany), three grandnephews and two grandnieces, and best friends Teresa and Tony Dressler.

His ashes will be spread at Crater Lake, OR, his favorite place in the world.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin James Ricketts, please visit our floral store.