RICKETTS, Ormonde B.

79, of Springfield, passed away on May 25, 2021, in his home. Ormonde was born on March 7, 1942, in Springfield, to Charles and Beatrice (Black) Ricketts. He was a team

captain for OSU football in 1963 and completed two tours in Vietnam earning a Bronze Star Medal. After completing his master's degree, he was

employed by the Springfield City Schools as a teacher and coach for 22 years and retired in 1993. He was also a member of First Christian Church. Survivors include his children, Darrin (Angela) Ricketts of

Bloomington, IN, Jason (Kelli) Ricketts of Nashville, TN, Sam (Mandi) Ricketts of Morrow, OH; 10 grandchildren; sister,

Linda Nolten of Naperville, IL; brother, Charlie Ricketts of Springfield; friend and caretaker, Ann Hensley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marcia Barga. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on Friday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME. A private funeral service will be held for the family. Interment will take place in the Veteran's Section of Ferncliff Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Springfield News Sun on May 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ormonde RICKETTS

Sponsored by Conroy Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Lee Thomas

November 9, 2021

Coach I´m just finding out about this. You had a lot to do with me growing up. You were one of kind and will always be missed. Thanks for everything. RIP sir

His famous quote was “getting stronger every day! “We always said i

June 1, 2021

I was home in Springfield last weekend taking my granddaughter to meet my mother, Nancy Ronemus, who still lives there. She told me about Coach Ricketts passing away. I played on the North high panthers football team under coaches Ron Deem and Tom Palmer. I think Coach Ricketts joined as coach my junior year which would have been the fall of 71. Maybe it was 72? He coached the offensive and defensive lines so he didn’t coach me directly, But we had a lot of contact. He was such an inspiring man to our team. He always gave the greatest peptalk‘s and got us fired up for the games.

My dad Thor Ronemus, also played at Ohio State so he and Coach Rickets had a lot in common. I guarantee you all of the members of the 1972 panthers have fond memories of Ormonde. His famous quote was “Getting Stronger Everyday! “. He always shouted that and we always said it among ourselves even when he wasn’t around. And my friends from the team and I have continued to say that throughout our lives when we see each other! “ We’re Getting Stronger Everyday!!”

I’m sure I express the feelings of all of my Panther teammates when I send my sympathies to his family. He is someone who I will always respect and always remember.

Mike Ronemus

Anita Dean Smith

May 29, 2021

I am so sorry about the passing of Mr Ricketts, he was my Gym teacher in the 80s at Schaffer. I ran into him 2 years ago when he was in the hospital, still exactly the same, so nice, friendly, smile on his face, I brought my old year books up for him to look at, he got a kick out of it , pictures of him out on the football field, looking and remembering the students. Time went so fast. Sending my condolences to his family, he was a very special person that touched so many lives. He will never be forgotten. Sincere Sympathy.

Bob Detling

May 29, 2021

I miss remembered the song Ormonde sang. It was “The Old Rugged Cross.” It was my grandma who sang “In The Shade of the Old Apple Tree.” I have been remembering so many great times with Ormonde, and I’m so grateful for them.

Bonnie Doss (Cousin)

May 27, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.

Jeff Hogue

May 27, 2021

Coach Ricketts was a very passionate coach and teacher. He only wanted to make each kid better. He was under appreciated at Schaffer. He did make a difference for some. Thankful to have known him.

Bob Detling

May 27, 2021

Ormonde and I have known each other since grade school and became best buddies since high school. We shared so many good times like playing baseball together, the big adventure fishing in Michigan before taking off for college, the time he made my grandparents laugh till they cried singing “In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree.” He impressed us with his whole poem rendition of “The Village Blacksmith” and “Casey at the Bat.” Sadly, time, distance, and illness has kept us apart of late, but he is family to me. He was a good and loyal friend and shared how proud he was of his three boys. I will miss him greatly. Rest In Peace, Ormonde, my old friend.

Greg Newland

May 27, 2021

A Springfield H.S. legend who touched many young men over the years. Anyone who ever coached with Ormonde loved him. He will not be forgotten

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