Lavanda Mae Ricks, 92 of Portsmouth, died Thursday, November 27, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. She was born August 3, 1933 in Portsmouth, to the late Charles and Lena Mae Smith Boyd.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Norman Richard Ricks Sr., whom she married on February 12, 1961, 3 brothers; William Boyd, Jack Boyd and Larry Boyd and a sister, Delores Shepherd.
Lavanda is survived by 3 sons: Norman Richard (Clarissa) Ricks Jr., William O. (Mary) Ricks and John R. (Carol) Ricks, a daughter Cheryl (Jim Childs) Howe, 7 grandchildren; Raeshele Ricks, Becky Howe, Andrew Ricks, Mark Heilbrunn, Allison Schryver, Lacrita Oberrath and Hailee Ricks, along with 8 great grandchildren; Makaila, Brailen, Finley, Goldie, Matilda, August, Bricker and Buckley.
Lavanda’s early career started in banking in Cleveland, Ohio as well as in Washington D.C. She also briefly worked at General Telephone Company in Portsmouth as well as the Atomic plant in Piketon. She then worked at and retired from Kroger’s in Portsmouth, Ohio with 35 years of service.
Lavanda was very active in numerous local organizations including the Christian Women’s Fellowship, Church Women United, the 55 Club of Portsmouth, Portsmouth West Alumni Organization, the Golden Bears at Shawnee State University, and the Kroger Retirement Breakfast Club. She also volunteered at the Red Cross and in ushering at various Shawnee State University shows and events. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Portsmouth since 1958 and a very supportive member of the Scioto County Democratic Party. She was an avid supporter and fan of Ohio State football.
Lavanda was a great wife, a fantastic mother, and a wonderful person whom was respected and loved by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Tom Rayburn officiating and interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace. Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home starting at 10:00 AM. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the Family requests that donations be made to SOMC Hospice.