Leona Madeline Ricks of Providence, R.I. peacefully fell asleep in death at the age of 85 years old in her home on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
She was born on May 14, 1935, in South Kingstown, R.I. as a Tribal Member of the Narragansett Indian Nation. She is the daughter of the late Helen Walmsley, Joseph Young, and James Walmsley (adopted father). She is survived by her loving daughters, Charlene Wilcox and husband Dennis Wilcox, Dorrain Palmer and husband Gene Palmer, and Dale Ricks. She was pre-deceased by son Mark Ricks.
In 1989, Leona made a personal decision to dedicate her life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She faithfully served Jehovah for 31 years, serving 6 years with the Wakefield Congregation and 25 years with the Huntington View Congregation - in its old and new Kingdom Hall. She loved the preaching work and enjoyed working with various brothers, sisters, children, and pioneers in the ministry. She would often speak about the children from the Kingdom Hall, whom she enjoyed conversating with before and after the meetings.
She would later work closely with Sister Peggy Guy doing telephone witnessing as her health prevented her from having a share in the door-to-door ministry. Her health would continue to weaken but she was determined to not miss her meetings, whether that meant listening to the meetings on her phone, streaming it through her Smart TV, or watching it on her tablet through ZOOM. She loved her God Jehovah!
Besides her children to cherish her memories and legacy, she leaves her youngest sister Roberta Reels of Providence, R.I., and two brothers Joseph Robinson of Wakefield, R.I., and youngest brother Charles (Chucky) Fairweather of Texas.
Her late brothers and sisters were Roy Robinson, Clifford Walmsley, Kenneth Robinson, Carl Walmsley, Mildred (Mickey) Perry, Francis Perry, Mary Hall, and Alice Bliss.
Leona also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, with one soon to be born. She had 5 generations of the family living at the same time! Mom had strong faith in the resurrection. Our family looks forward to the time when Jehovah will remember mom and bring her back to life, to live in an earthly paradise, reuniting her with loving family and friends.
The family wishes to thank: The brothers and sisters for their loving support and prayers. The nursing assistants, nurses, doctors, and medical facilities that cared for our mother over the years. We appreciate all of you!