Ella Ashby (Sissy) Rickerson Obituary (1952 - 2025)

Born Feb 28, 1952, Ella Ashby (Sissy) Rickerson attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ella Ashby (sissy) Rickerson.

Graduation Year	Class of 1970
Date of Birth	Feb 28, 1952
Date of Passing	May 15, 2025
About	Ella Ashby "Sissy" Rickerson, 73, of Vinton, VA, a devoted mother, grandmother, and compassionate soul, passed away on May 15, 2025. She was born in Roanoke, VA on February 28, 1952, to the late Glen Lewis Ashby and Florence Mae (Wyatt) Ashby. She was a 1970 graduate of William Byrd High School. Ella lived a life rooted in love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She had a natural gift for caregiving and was always the first to lend a hand or offer to comfort those in need. She had a special passion for giving back, especially to the less fortunate, and her generosity extended to animals as well. A lifelong animal lover, she often took in strays and made sure the neighborhood cats were well fed. She was also a diehard sports fan, rarely missing a Washington Capitals or UVA game - and she proudly cheered for the Atlanta Braves every baseball season. Ella was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Alan Lynn Rickerson; her daughter-in-law, Sydney Taylor Rickerson (Kenny); and her brother, Roger Lee Ashby (Gale). She is survived by her loving sons, Kenny Rickerson and Brian Rickerson (Danielle); her brother, Bruce Ashby (Gwen); nieces and nephews Matt Ashby (Tori), Mark Ashby (Courtney), Sarah Bernard (Matthew); sisters-in law, Sandra Rickerson and Gale Ashby; and her cherished grandsons, Hunter, Walker, Nash, and Luke. In addition to her family, Ella leaves behind a wide circle of friends, former coworkers, and neighbors who will remember her warmth, laugh, silly nature, and unwavering willingness to show up for others. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 19 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Oakey's Vinton Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 20 at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with Pastor John Hemming officiating. A brief graveside service at Cedar Lawn Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Roanoke Valley SPCA, an organization close to Ella's heart.