Jane Ricketts

Maya Jane (Williams) Ricketts passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Kansas City, surrounded by love.

Born Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, to Don E. and Fern (Polston) Williams, Jane grew up in Northern Missouri before moving to Kansas City in 1960 to begin nursing school. She quickly formed lifelong friendships with classmates who shared her mischievous streak and sense of fun—memories she cherished.

Jane graduated from Saint Luke’s School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1963 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Francis University in 1994.

On a blind date, Jane met the love of her life, Jay Ricketts. The two were married October 17, 1965, and built a warm and loving home. Many memories were made supporting their girls from the sidelines—whether at the softball field, the horse barn, or watching them cheer.

Jane devoted more than four decades to Saint Luke’s Hospital, where she served as a nurse manager for 20 years and helped establish a rehabilitation unit for patients recovering from strokes and brain injuries. She retired in 2008 after 45 years, leaving a legacy of compassion, leadership, and innovation. Jane was a role model for her daughters—a working mother balancing career and family at a time when few women did both.

Family was always Jane’s greatest joy. She loved laughter-filled family dinners and movie nights, traveling, reading, and girls’ poker nights. Her humor and sense of fun made every moment brighter.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay, her parents Don and Fern Williams, her sister DeAnna Hatten, her brother John Mark Williams, and her nephew Brad Hatten.

She is survived by her daughters Christina Marra of Lee’s Summit and Denise Schwartz (John) of Blue Springs; her grandchildren Michael Marra, Caroline Cross (Taylor), Jaylie Giles, Brandon Schwartz, and Carter Schwartz; as well as nieces, nephews, and a large extended family. She will be missed dearly.

The family will celebrate Jane’s life December 19, 2025, at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with a memorial service immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) in Jane’s memory. Alzheimer’s is a vicious, cruel disease that stole so much from her and those who loved her.