Patricia Ricci

Patricia Ricci, 68 of Bethalto, went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2018 at 3:35pm after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born January 1, 1950 to Otis and Irene Riggs, she was raised in Wood River Illinois where she graduated East Alton Wood River high school (class of 1968). She had four children Devin (Denise) Shewmake, HJ Shewmake Jr., Dawn (Charlie) Tucker, and Deanna (Craig) Elinor whom she shared with her former spouse. By the grace of God, good friends, and a blind date she met the love of her life Joseph Ricci whom she married on June 2, 1984 at which time she gained two bonus children Lisa (Mark) Massa and Joey (Christy) Ricci. Pat was independent, feisty and stubborn balanced by a heart of gold larger than any other. She was an avid shopper who loved to gift others. She was known to ‘adopt’ many additional children, sisters and brothers throughout the years. If she loved you you became a part of her family, and she let you know it. Pat especially loved her grandchildren and was lovingly called Mimi by most everyone she knew, a name that was given to her by her granddaughter Mackenzie. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Francis Black, her brother James Riggs, her beloved in-laws James and Elizabeth Ricci, her sisters-in-law Joan Elledge and Susan Ganter her brother-in-law Joe Ganter and her grandson Taylor Ricci. She is very much looking forward to a wonderful reunion in heaven with them all. Pat is survived by her husband Joseph, her children, 17 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gus (Susie) Riggs, her sister in law Paula Ricci, brother-in-law Mark (Kelly) Ricci, and brother-in-law Dr. James (Teri) Ricci and many nieces and nephews. A visitation is scheduled at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto on Sunday, June 17, 2018, from 2 pm to 6 pm, and a Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 am. After cremation, Patricia’s ashes will be placed in the Columbarium at Roselawn Memorial Garden in Bethalto. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Barnes Hospital Center for Advanced Medicine for continued research of cure for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, the disease that took her from us far too soon. Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home