OBITUARY HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION.....

Alice Ann Ricketts Anderson, age 79, was born on April 23, 1946, in Magnolia, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully at her home in Stamps, Arkansas, on December 28, 2025. Alice Ann wore many capes throughout her life. She carried the spirit of a warrior and the love, compassion, humor, and generosity of an angel. Her strength and kindness touched countless lives, and she gave freely of herself to her family, friends, and community. Alice Ann was a proud graduate of Stamps High School and a cherished member of the "'64 Chicks." She remained actively involved in her community and was known for her welcoming heart, quick wit, and unwavering support of others. For over 48 years, Alice Ann faithfully served the students and families of Stamps Public Schools and Lafayette County Public Schools. Her dedication knew no bounds. She coached cheerleading and proudly led teams to two state championships, drove a school bus, taught Head Start and ISS, served as a basketball scorekeeper, and stepped into any role the school system needed. Alice Ann believed deeply in children, education, and service, and her impact will be felt for generations. After school, Alice Ann loved to cater weddings and special events, bake cakes, sew dresses and costumes, and judge pageants. She loved to travel and also enjoyed visiting the casinos, where her sense of humor and adventurous spirit always shined. She was a die-hard Razorback fan and cheered just as passionately for her family, proudly holding the title of her family's number one fan.

She is survived by her three daughters, Neca Anderson Stockwell of Waldo, Arkansas, Stephanie Anderson Carter of Lindale, Texas, and Lucretia Anderson of Stamps, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Nina Anderson, Jared Carter, Jennifer Wilson, Stephanie Stockwell, Hallee Carter, Rachel Penwell, and Benjamin Simmons; her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jase, Calleigh, Brynn, Blaise, Essynce, Deion, Sawyer, Maddie, Benjamin Jr., and Lilly; her sister, Ellen McMurrough, and brother, Warren Ricketts; and her special friend, Tammy Creech Sanders; She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and the many students, coworkers, and friends who considered her family.

Alice Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac Robert Ricketts and Martha Almeta Short Ricketts, of Stamps, Arkansas and niece Kalene Flowers of Stamps, Arkansas.

Services will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Old Stamp's Gym on School Street. Services are entrusted to A.O. Smith Funeral Home, and Veronica Rone Gilbert will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Alice's legacy by supporting your local schools through volunteering your time, continuing the work she so passionately devoted her life to.

Alice's legacy is one of love, resilience, service, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.