BARBARA CARYL RICKETTS
1946-2021
On August 23, 2021, Barbara Caryl Ricketts passed away peacefully in her home concluding a years-long courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 13, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Emily and Donald Ricketts, Barbara survived a serious automobile accident at age 5 that took her mother’s life and resulted in a tumultuous childhood that engendered an unflappable but ever-friendly demeanor that became the hallmark of her persona. After beginning her professional career in California where she attended Pierce College in
Los Angeles, Barbara began employment in Houston at the law firm of Arnold, White and Durkee in 1971 and retired from its successor firm in 2014. That 43-year period, however, was interrupted by a seven-year sojourn when she functioned as the trusted personal assistant to Houston Mayor Bob Lanier and cemented her reputation as a reliably discreet and loyal deputy. Known affectionately as “B” by many of her friends and colleagues, but also more formally as “Barbara” by most of those who worked with her, she was meticulous and self-composed in her professional capacity, but affable and gregarious as the organizer of office wide lottery pools and junkets to outlet stores in San Marcos which frequently presaged the coming of Christmas. Indeed, it was the holiday season when Barbara’s bellwether talents shone brightest as she identified every Christmas store within driving distance or reachable on the internet to assemble an impeccable collection of snowman ornaments that graced her nine-foot tree. Travel was another leisure that Barbara enjoyed. Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico were favorite destinations and sources of attractive Southwestern art that Barbara proudly exhibited at her home. Her travels to the Pacific Northwest acquainted her with the boating community on Puget Sound and led her to meet and later marry Bill Whitney of Quilcene Washington, a former World War II bomber pilot and POW. Bill was renowned in his corner of the world for his achievements as a pilot and sailor, his exploits both in Alaska and Middle East oil venues, and the tales he wrought from those adventures. He and Barbara were ardently devoted to one another, but unhappily Bill passed away, and Barbara returned to the familiarity of Houston reviving her passion for creating works of needlepoint during retreats at Camp Allen (Navasota) that frequently followed a Christmas theme. Barbara has been predeceased by her parents, Emily and Donald Ricketts, step mother Marie Ricketts, her brother Daniel Ricketts, sister D’Anna Soehnge (Walter), sister Merry Ralph, and her husband, William (Bill) Whitney. She is survived by her sister Lois Ingram (Hugh), brother Blaine Ricketts (Bonnie), sister June Sprott (Richard), nieces, nephews, great nieces, and a great nephew.
Barbara gave an intimate meaning to the word friend. She was loved instantly by all who met her and will be forever remembered for her infectious charm, kind heart, wit, and sturdy spirit.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be scheduled later. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Allen which can be identified at CampAllen.org.