Richard "Ricky" Ambrose

Richard "Ricky" Ambrose, departed this earth for his heavenly home on February 24, 2025. There is no doubt that when he entered the gates of Heaven, he had a crowd there waiting to greet him with open arms. Ricky came into this world as a small child, but his heart was always big. From the time he was a young boy he loved those around him, the Lord, fishing, hunting, gardening, cars, trucks, and his horse. Before he could even drive, he would load up on his horse and ride it to the old Blankenship Pond and fish from sun-up to sun-down. Ricky had a very happy childhood, and he loved to share his memories with his family. He had two older sisters and one younger sister, but when he became a teenager, you would have thought that he was the oldest with the way that he towered over the girls. Ricky had a big imagination as a child, so there was never a dull moment.
He enjoyed working outside, and he could grow anything. There is not a shade of green to describe his thumb for gardening. Even from a young boy he had this knack. He had what some would call a true talent for knowledge that he had about nature and animals. His sister, Vickie, says that he was just born late in life. She often compared him to Daniel Boone, as did just about everyone who knew him. Ricky could live in the woods. He enjoyed camping, nature shows, quail hunting, and fly fishing. If he was watching tv you could just about count on it being Bonanza or Andy Griffith. He was a simple man, that was content with life and always humble. Ricky never wanted for anything and always made sure that he made the best of everything that he was blessed to be given.
In his late 30's Ricky walked into a bank and asked a simple question that was followed up with an answer from a beautiful woman that would forever change his life. This is where the rest of Ricky's life began. It only took four dates and on the fifth one he and Leslie eloped at The Love Chapel for five hundred dollars, and if you know Ricky, he didn't like to spend money, but he would say that was the best money he ever spent. They decided to keep it a secret, as much as they could, until it was time to sign up for volleyball t-shirts at church. Neither of their parents could be happier for them and supportive. Ricky instantly took to Jesse and they formed a bond like no other. Their Dad and Son relationship could not be measured, with each memory forever cherished. They spent time together fishing, boating, helping with mom. Ricky and Leslie were given another blessing, Rachel. Ricky found himself amid even more laughter, love, learning, and memories in the making. The kids kept him busy. From teaching Rachel to drive his old 87' GMC, how to cut MeeMaw's grass, taking her fishing, and riding bikes. He showed Leslie how a man loves a woman and his family, he showed Jesse how a man should be, and he showed Rachel how she should she be treated. Ricky was the best father-in-law and always welcomed Matt with open arms into the family. He gave Matt his blessing to marry Rachel followed with, "Now I'm going to teach you everything about fishing." Ricky was promoted to Paw in 2017 when Ryder was born. He was hooked on this little guy at first sight. It was love like no other. In 2024 Paw was blessed again when "This One & That One" "Pete & Repeat" were born. These two little boys slowed him down even more than he drove. He was all about Carter and Colton. Ricky's life could be summed up in two simple, yet meaningful words. Love & family. The hardest part of loving someone is when they are no longer here in person for you to share that love with. Ricky will see to it that he shows everyone in his own way. He will forever be sitting in the chair right in front of Leslie as she sings on her new karaoke machine every year, he will quietly be singing "what a beautiful day" to everyone each morning in his own way, and he will be the sparkle that lives on the lives of the ones he leaves behind.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Myrna Ambrose, two sisters; Sherry Rose & Patricia Beaver, son, Jesse Waits, grandson, Ryder Waits, and father-in-law, Lanny Hazlerig. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Leslie Hazlerig Ambrose, two daughters; Rachel E. Jacome (Matt) and Anna C. Ambrose, one sister, Vickie Hart, two grandsons; Carter Ray Jacome & Colton Reid Jacome, mother-in-law, Connie Hazlerig, three sisters-in-law; Lana Gilbreath (Clay), Lisa Flanagan (Scott), & Linda Martin (Chris), ten nieces, ten nephews, and three great nephews. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.