Betty J. Rickards

Betty J. Rickards, 93 of Canton, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. The daughter of Clyde and Edith Stephens Smith was born on February 28, 1932 in Canton, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Charles R. "Jack" Rickards on November 28, 1948 at Canton, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2009. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church of Canton. She loved baking and making candy and caramels she shared with everyone. She loved to watch NASCAR and her favorite driver, Ryan Newman. She is survived by two sons, Len (Sandy) Rickards of Las Vegas, Nv. and Ron Rickards of Canton, Mo.; four grandchildren, Hannah Rickards of Avon, In., Adam Rickards of Las Vegas, Nv., Chris Barker of Elizabeth, Co. and Geoff Barker of Grain Valley, Mo.; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Judith Barker, two granddaughters, Amber Nicole and Hope Renee Rickards, a sister, Linda Eisenbeiss and two brothers, Leonard Smith and Clyde George Smith. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Arnold's Funeral Home in Canton, Missouri with Rev. Steve Barker officiating. Burial will be in Forest Grove Cemetery at Canton. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4 until 7 PM at Arnold's Funeral Home in Canton. Memorials may be made to Lewis County Relay For Life-American Cancer Society. Pallbearers: John Baalman, Joe McKenzie, Gabe McKenzie, Ben McKenzie, Cody Baalman and Andrew Eisenbeiss. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Betty, please visit our Tree Store.