Bev and her twin sister Barbara were born to Ora Earl and Olive Mae Byrd on March 19, 1936 in Roseburg, Oregon. It was an exciting birth, to say the least, since the doctor did not arrive on time, so Earl had to deliver his daughters himself. Earl was a school administrator in Tennessee during the Depression and eventually moved with his family to Oregon. It was in Roseburg that Bev attended school where she was active in clubs and as a majorette in high school marching band. In her spare time, Bev worked after school taking tickets at the local theater and being a successful pairs roller skater. It is with some pride for the family that Bev was a state pairs champion in roller-skating. It was Roseburg Senior High that Bev eventually married her high school sweetheart, Allen (Duke) Ricketts.
Upon completion of high school, Bev attended Southern Oregon College, now Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon. She also worked for the Forest Service and later the Farm Home Administration. Bev and Duke were married 1957 and moved to Eugene, Oregon where Duke was completing his Bachelor Degree, which he always said her name should be on that diploma with his. Upon completion of the university degree, Bev and Duke returned to Roseburg where Duke was a teacher and administrator for the Roseburg Public Schools. During this time, Duke obtained a Masters Degree and Administrative certificate, again, with Bev’s sacrifice and help. While in Roseburg their children, Diana and Brett, were born. Bev continued to work for the Forest Service and Farm Home Administration, eventually having a permanent position with the FMHA.
An opportunity for Duke to become principal of Silverton High School arose and the family moved to Silverton where they became involved in the community and the First Baptist Church of Silverton. Bev continued working for the Farm Home Administration in the Dallas, Oregon office where she commuted from Silverton for five years. Bev retired from the FMHA and devoted her time to her family. Bev thoroughly enjoyed her family and especially her granddaughters, Toni and Alex. Her hobbies were serving on various church boards and committees, quilting, cooking, and camping with family and friends.
Her husband Duke of 66+ years survives Bev. She is also survived by her daughter, Diana (Paul) Gowen of Tualatin, Oregon and their daughters, Toni and Alex; her son, Brett (Betty) Ricketts of Stayton, Oregon; brother, James Byrd of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister, Hellen Santar of Silverton. Her father, mother, sister Barbara and brothers, Robert and Curtis, preceded her in death.
Bev was a friendly and loving person who will be remembered for her service to her Lord and others, her wonderful caramels, and the sacrifices she made for her husband and family. She had a ready smile and a warm hug for those who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial services will be held at the Silverton First Baptist Church, 229 Westfield St., Silverton, Oregon at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. Private interment was held at the Bethany Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Church Youth Discipleship Team or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapels.
