Kathleen Ricca

Kathleen Ricca, of South Haven, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the River Ridge Retirement Community in South Haven.

She was born November 1, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri to Sylvester and Helena (Reich) Fults.  Kathleen graduated from Rosati Kain Gils Catholic High School.  Kathy worked for AT&T as a telephone operator in St Louis.  She met her husband to be, Gene Ricca, in St. Louis where he was in Army special training.  Kathy married Gene Ricca on May 25, 1946 at Holy Family Church in St. Louis.  She moved to Chicago where Gene had a job as Tool & Die Designer.  Kathy had a job as long distance operator with AT&T.  She gave birth to her first son, Richard, on November 17, 1947.  In 1948 Kathy and Gene took off for a new life in South Haven, Michigan.  In South Haven, she gave birth to her second son, Ronald, on December 29, 1949, her first daughter, Mary on November 11, 1950, her second daughter, Barbara Ann, on January 18, 1959, and finally completed the family with the birth of Joseph on September 21, 1961.  Kathy enjoyed golf and was known as one of the best chippers and putters in the Women’s Golf League.  She served on Meals on Wheels and aided at the high school cafeteria.  She was a Rotary ANN and enjoyed the Rotarian projects, especially the Rotary Post Prom Parties. Kathy was a member of St. Basil Catholic Church, South Haven Women’s Golf League, and St Basil Altar Rosary Society.

Kathy is survived by her children Rick (Linda) Ricca of Kalamazoo, Ron (Becky) Ricca of South Haven, Barb (Barry) Ricca-Longhino of Columbus, Ohio  and Joe (Cindy) Ricca of South Haven. 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, and sister, Jackie Carroll of St. Louis, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene, daughter Mary Wilson and grandchild Bradley Wilson.

 In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the St. Basil Catholic Church.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 5, at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church with Rev. Father Robert Flickinger officiating.  Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution can do so to St. Basil Catholic Church.