Elizabeth Ann Ricci

Elizabeth Ann Ricci, a longtime resident of Nixa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 14th, surrounded by her loving family. Elizabeth was born on February 1st, 1941, in Macon, Missouri, to devoted parents, Alfreda and Everett Adams. Alfreda turned 18 on that very same day and Elizabeth was her birthday gift. Elizabeth graduated from Bevier High School in 1959 and married her beloved husband of late, John Benton Ricci, Jr. on February 14th, 1959. Together they had four children. Elizabeth's professional career began in 1964 and included numerous administrative roles in the medical and accounting industries. She was honored to be included in the 1972 publication of Outstanding Young Women of America, a National Awards Program highlighting the achievements of young women across the country. Later in her career, Elizabeth enjoyed serving members of her community by working for the state of Missouri, the Foster Grandparents program, and into her final days, as a cherished school bus aide to young children with special needs. Elizabeth's abounding love for children shined in her daily interactions with each and every one of her remarkable students. Elizabeth enjoyed a full and active social life and loved camping, dancing, listening to music, reading and decorating. Anyone who visited Elizabeth was apt to find her sofa, loveseat or end table in a different spot every time they walked into her lovely home. Elizabeth's vibrant, spunky personality was her trademark and if you were one of those lucky strangers who came across her path you were soon to be one of her cherished friends. Elizabeth's greatest love was her devoted family. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Deborah (George) Wilmes and sons, Michael (Connie) Ricci, Jeff (Tammy) Ricci, and John (Debra) Ricci; her siblings, Kay (Larry) Crow, Pat (John) McCain, Terri (Rick) Johnson, Tammi (Tony) Fiedler, and Robert (Terri) James; her grandchildren, Seth (Lauren), Benton, Chrisena, Jessica, Jordan, Blake (Caitlin), Brittany (James), and JT; her great-grandchildren, Maddie, Kinley, Griffin, Brooklyn, Noland, and Aiden; her brother-in-law's, Dick (Barb) Ricci, and Donald Ricci; her 21 nieces and nephews and her many great nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Alfreda and Everett; her sister, Sherri Britt; her brother, Rich Adams; and her granddaughter, Blythe Elizabeth Wilmes. Services will be on Monday, October 16th at 6:00 pm, Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.