Mrs. Arletha Ricketson Tate, 94
Mrs. Arletha Ricketson Tate, 94, of the Snipesville, died peacefully Feb. 11.
She was born Dec. 15, 1931, to Robert and Fannie Lott Ricketson as the ninth of 12 children and was the last surviving.
Arletha devoted her life to caring for her family and her friends. She found immense joy in spoiling her grandchildren and great grands. Known for her servant heart, she was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She created beautiful birthday and wedding cakes for many individuals in the community. She was well known for her great cooking; especially cinnamon rolls and apple tarts (better known as “preacher pies”). She enjoyed collecting angels and dolls and shopping at her local Mission store. She was always in pursuit of a bargain. She faithfully read her Bible daily. Even when her mind declined, she continued to be concerned about getting to church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, James Tate; her parents, Robert and Fannie Lott Ricketson; 11 siblings: Vilas Ricketson, Mary Alice Ricketson, Ivella Smith Gillum, R.T. Ricketson, Dorothy Griffin Thurman, Ruby Johnson, Juanita Foskey, J.M. Ricketson, Wanell McCallum, Waymon Ricketson and Charles (Duppy) Ricketson, and special nephew Rob Foskey.
She is survived by her son James Emory (Betty Sue) Tate; daughter Shari (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren Jamie (Becky) Tate, Andy (Candice) Tate, Jonathan (Kayla) Johnson and Aimee (Josh) Kaltenbach; great grands Jay, Drew, Peyton and Jaxon Tate, Andrew, Caroline, Lydia and Julianne Johnson, and Robert and Caleb Kaltenbach; special sisters-in-law Kay Francis Ricketson and Dot Ricketson; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
The family greatly appreciates the loving, compassionate, and faithful care of the staff of Wing 3 at McRae Manor nursing home. Community Hospice of Vidalia also provided wonderful support during her last year of life.
A celebration of life was held Feb. 14 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jimmy Ricketson, Donnie Ricketson, Marcus Ricketson, Randy Ricketson, Jamie Tate and Andy Tate.
Her son-in-law, Chris Johnson, along with her grandchildren Aimee Kaltenbach and Jonathan Johnson, provided music.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church or Community Hospice of Vidalia.
Swain Funeral Home was in charge.
