PINE BLUFF — Beth Ross Rickels,

96, of Pine Bluff, Ark., passed away peacefully in the care of Trinity Village Medical Center (Pine Bluff) on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Beth was born to Clarence L. and Katherine Williams Ross on October 11, 1925, in Prescott, Arkansas. Shortly before she turned two, Beth’s birthmother died. Having lost Beth’s older sister, Emily, to pneumonia in December 1924, and now his wife, it was necessary for Clarence to place Beth in the care of her grandmother, Viola Tidwell Ross in Savannah, Tennessee. In 1933 Beth was thrilled to learn that she was to have a mother as the widower Clarence made plans to wed Lily Peterman. For the next sixty-eight years Lily would be Beth’s mother to love and care for her. Clarence moved his family to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1933, where Beth’s long history with Lakeside United Methodist Church began. She was a continuous, faithful, and active member of Lakeside until her passing. She taught children’s Sunday School class, her own Hundley adult class, and volunteered for the church as often as she was able. Ever vigilant in her faith, she made every effort to prevent her three sons from becoming outright heathens. Beth loved her church, her family, and most any stray cat or dog that found their way to her home.

Beth was preceded in death by her father, Clarence and her mother, Lily Peterman Ross, her husband of 53 years, Charles (Chuck) Raymond Rickels, Sr. Survivors to cherish the memory of her kind and loving spirit are her three sons, Raymond Rickels, OFM of St. Croix Falls, Wis., Ross Rickels (Donna) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Phil Rickels (Missy) of Little Rock, Arkansas. Grandchildren who will remember Beth are, Rachael Rickels, C.J. Rickels (Ayla), Michael Rickels (Kaersti), Maggie Rickels, and one great-granddaughter, Caroline L. Rickels.

On Wednesday, the 23rd of March, visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., at Lakeside United Methodist Church. The 3 p.m., funeral service will likewise be held at Lakeside with Reverend Judy Rudd officiating. A graveside service will follow immediately at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Memorials can be made to the Lakeside United Methodist Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com