Our beloved Robert went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2026 at the age of 90. He died peacefully at home with his family by his side. Robert was born to George and Nina Ricketts on March 19, 1936 in Chillicothe, Ohio. He grew up in Adelphi, Ohio, the ninth of ten siblings. He graduated from Laurelville, Ohio High School where he played basketball and played in the band. He also played in the Adelphi Band. He attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he pursued a physical education major. He enjoyed reading, loved history and was quite knowledgeable about Apache Indians. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He was drafted into the United States Army on May 4, 1959 and was assigned to Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia in the Finance and Accounting Corps, where he served for three years. He also served in the Air National Guard at Davis Monthan Air Base in Tucson, Arizona.

 Robert had a long career in retail, managing McLellans and TG&Y variety stores in Tucson, Arizona as well as in Albuquerque and Belen, New Mexico. Robert's lifetime love of horses led him to his happiest professional days being associated with Dan's Boots and Saddles and then becoming a part owner in Horsemen's Feed & Supply in Albuquerque. There he was able to put his vast horsemanship knowledge and skill to work helping customers find the right products and tack to meet their needs. He loved people and made many friends in that business.

 Robert was a sought-after horse show judge around the state of New Mexico. He judged many varied shows including at the New Mexico State Fair. He also was a popular horse trainer, with many students including those in the winner's circles. He loved all horsemanship disciplines and spent many enjoyable hours competing, teaching and judging western pleasure, trail, halter, reining, cutting, and hunter/jumper. He most recently honed his team roping skills and enjoyed competing and roping with his friends. Roy Rogers was his lifelong hero. 

He was a man of honor, integrity, kindness, and always happy. He would go out of his way to help others. He was a Christian man who was a member of the Bernalillo United Methodist Church for close to 50 years where he served as a Trustee and loved singing in the choir. His family was always his first priority. He was blessed to have twin daughters and he loved to tell people about his good fortune.

 Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay; his twin daughters Amy Washburn and husband Sloan Washburn, and Page Mann and husband Jason Mann; and his four beloved grandchildren Keegan and Erynne Mann and Quinn and Cayd Washburn; sister-in-law Barbara Edmonds, nephews Drew and Matthew Edmonds; nephew Casey Hinton, nieces Judy Ortman and Drena Klein. 

A private family service will be held on October 16. The family invites friends to visit and share Robert's wonderful life with them on Saturday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Tamaya Resort, 1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004. We would like to thank Harmony Home Health and Hospice for their loving care of Robert. Memorial gifts may be made to Bernalillo United Methodist Church, 136 W. Calle Don Andres, Bernalillo, NM 87004