Rickey L. Ellis

Sunrise: April 16, 1957 – Sunset: July 2, 2025

Rickey L. Ellis, a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025. Known for his quiet strength and unwavering pride, Rickey leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and steadfast love that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Following his graduation from Joliet West High School, Rickey honorably served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, a role he embraced with pride and carried in spirit throughout his life.

On June 20, 1980, Rickey married his beloved wife, Donna. Together, they shared 45 years of love and devotion. He treasured the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether known as Rickey, Pop, Grandpa, Uncle Rickey or Mr. Ellis, he always had something to share with anyone who sat at his table, be it advice, laughter, a good story or a hot cup of coffee.

In 2012, at the age of 55, Rickey retired from Crane Composites, where he was known for his strong work ethic and the lasting friendships he built during his career.

Grounded in faith and guided by simplicity, in retirement, Rickey found joy in life’s quiet moments. He began each day reading his Bible, enjoyed afternoons watching westerns, and rarely went without a hot cup of coffee in hand. 

Rickey leaves behind a legacy of love and memories. He is survived by his devoted wife Donna Ellis; his children, Dedrick (Lisa) McCullen, Stacey (Shannon) Dillard, and Adrian (Rebecca) Ellis; his grandchildren Marissa Dillard, Rickie Ellis, Jr., Rihanna Hudson-Ellis, and Jakobe Ellis; great-grandchildren, Jeremy Marble, Jr. and Evan Perkins; his mother, Mildred (Jackie) Keene; his sisters, Sharon L. (Michael) Banks and Sandra (Roy) Williams, his brothers, Jetson (Veronica) Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell, Jackie (Angela) Keene, and Anthony Keene; his brother-in-law, C.J. McCullum and Willie (Shawna) Wilson; his aunts, Hazel (Leroy) Endicott and Lela (C.Z.) Moffett; uncle, Alfred (Ruby) Ellis; cousins, Sheila and Renee Moffett, who provided compassionate care during his final months; and  many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, Ellis Betts, Sr.; sister, Veronda Ellis; brother, Ellis Betts, Jr.; son, Rickie Ellis, Sr.; grandson, Jeremy Marble; niece, Cicely Ellis; and sister-in-law, Hattie Hayes.

Rickey’s legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength will live on in every life he touched.

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