Butch (George) Ricketts Jr. (72) passed away at home after a long illness on Monday, March 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, George Ricketts Sr. and Lora Ladine Ricketts, nee Crosno of Madera. 

Butch was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1953, and lived on military bases around the world during his formative years. He returned to Madera while a junior in High School and graduated from Madera High, his parents’ alma mater.

He began his business career early, opening Ricketts Employment Agency with his father in 1972, which started his interest in helping employ at-risk youth. He continued this practice when he opened Pools by Ricketts in 1979, hiring many who had trouble finding “normal” jobs. 

This was an ongoing mission throughout his life that he pursued by joining the Madera Exchange Club, the Madera Downtown Businessman Association, the Private Industry Council, the Economic Agency Commission, the Madera Businessman Coalition, the Madera Chamber of Commerce, theMadera chapter of the Elks Lodge, and the Madera Fair Board. 

Butch believed that everybody deserved a chance to work and make something better of themselves. Other than his business, which his family nicknamed “his youngest child”, he was most proud of his decade spent as a coach on the softball field. Even though he hadn’t coached in years, he still bragged about all the athletes he had helped get to college through sports. 

He loved golf, slot machines, Fair time, and camping. Butch remained active with the Fair Board and Pools by Ricketts until 2024, when his health forced him to step back. 

He will be remembered by many friends, customers, and family here in Madera and the surrounding areas. Butch’s devoted wife and business partner, Laura Ricketts of Madera, and their two daughters, Lisa and Amanda Ricketts, will be keeping all services private as per his request.  

All condolences can be sent to the business P.O. Box, or you can reach out to Lisa directly.

There are no events scheduled at this time. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to George Dale Ricketts Jr.'s family.