About Frank and Esther Ricketts
Frank and Esther Ricketts grew up in Coshocton. The daughter of Michael G. and Mahala Emler, Esther attended Ohio State University and taught home economics at Conesville High School after receiving her degree. Frank, the son of Frank H. and Ethel Ricketts, attended Marietta College and then began managing the family business, Ricketts Farm Hatcheries on Clark Street in Cambridge.
After their marriage in 1939, they purchased a house at 1244 Clark St. across from the business. They built a new home at 1301 Clark St. where they raised their children, Tom, Sue and Bob. Frank ran the business while Esther assisted him and taught kindergarten at Oakland Elementary School.
Frank transitioned his business into an Airstream travel trailer dealership in the early 1960s. A natural salesperson, he ranked as one of the top 10 dealers in the country for Airstream, in spite of being the only employee of his dealership. Guernsey Memorial Hospital purchased the Clark Street property in the 1970s, and Frank and Esther moved to East Wheeling Avenue and I-77 where he continued his business.
The two were active at First United Methodist Church, where Esther taught Sunday school and worked in the youth programs. Frank served on the Cambridge School Board and was active in the Kiwanis Club.
Esther passed away in 1981 and Frank died in 1998.
Their children wanted a way to honor their parents who loved Cambridge so much. After looking at a number of options, they decided that the Guernsey County Foundation offered the best choice to accomplish their goals, so they established The Frank and Esther Ricketts Memorial Fund to benefit charitable needs in the area.
“The establishment of the Frank and Esther Ricketts Fund, by their children, in their honor is a wonderful gift for the community. As the Guernsey County Foundation and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio continue to partner by helping donors plan their philanthropic giving, we are always excited when we are able to help them meet their goals. We thank the Ricketts’ children for thinking of Cambridge with this generous gift that will continue to benefit the community for years to come,” said Maribeth Wright, president of the Guernsey County Foundation.
Support the and Esther Ricketts Memorial Fund
Gifts to the Frank and Esther Ricketts Memorial Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.
To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
Donations can be made online by designating the Frank and Esther Ricketts Memorial Fund when donating.