Lisa Harman Ricketts

Lisa Harman Ricketts, age 66, of Taylorsville, Utah, died on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at home surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, October 11, at the Valley View Memorial Park, 4100 South 4400 West, in West Valley City, Utah. After, Lisa will be laid to rest next to her infant son, Elisha Mark Ricketts, who passed away on August 14, 1979.

Lisa was born to Bette Huggins and James Leonard Harman on November 27, 1957, in Granger, Utah. She was the third of six children. At age 12, the family moved to Montevideo, Uruguay, where Lisa attended the British Schools of Montevideo, and built a lasting love for the language, culture and people of that country. Five years later, upon her return to the United States, she graduated from Cyprus High School, and attended then-Dixie College in St. George, Utah, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree.

At age 20, she met David Mark Ricketts at a church activity. She not only found a friend in David, but a life partner for just shy of 46 years. They were married on November 24, 1978, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with seven beloved, beautiful and caring children who all reflect their mother’s trademark kindness.

Lisa and David briefly made their home in Salt Lake City, Orem, and Gunnison, Utah, before eventually settling in Taylorsville, Utah. David’s career required long days, weekends, and extensive travel, which was only made possible through Lisa’s accompanying dedication and service at home. She was a gifted homemaker, gardener, pianist, seamstress and herbalist.

In her spare time, Lisa loved to read and travel with David as they explored the remote desertscapes of the Western United States. Sunday mornings were devoted to listening to the Tabernacle Choir at full volume, and every day was devoted to serving others, especially neighbors who quickly became friends.

Lisa was a deeply spiritual woman with a strong spiritual compass, and she spent her last few decades as an avid spiritual seeker. Part of her self-defined purpose in life was to provide relief to others, which she did through food, clothing and time. She was also unfailingly generous in her assessment of others; regardless of a person’s reputation, she was their loyal advocate.

But Lisa’s favorite “pastimes” were her children and grandchildren. Her face would light up as she welcomed them, comforted them, and helped them recognize their value. She was animated as she shared about their individual characteristics and accomplishments; they never ceased to delight and amaze her.

When the cancer diagnosis came in 2023, Lisa’s greatest fear was that she would become a burden to her dear husband, children and grandchildren. In reflecting back over those months, the family now acknowledges that even during the toughest times, Lisa’s decisions still revolved around her innate desire to love and nurture her family.

Lisa is survived by husband David; daughter Megan Johnson and partner Matthew Hedman, daughter Laura and husband JB Priddy, daughter Aubrey Ricketts and partner Marc Sisario, daughter Julia Ricketts, son Samuel Ricketts and wife Rachael Neumann, son Charles Ricketts and wife Marielle Tan; grandchildren Christian Johnson, Jack Johnson, Aquilla Hedman, Mischa Priddy, Emmeline Priddy, Noah Neslen, Deacon Neslen, Duncan McMillan, Frederick Lacey, Brooke Ricketts; brother Brent and wife Pam Harman, brother Daniel and wife Wendy Harman; sister Rhonda and husband Randall Bennett, sister Nicole and husband Kent Maher; brother-in-law Kyle and wife Michelle Ricketts, brother-in-law Chet Ricketts and husband Shane Breeze; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lisa was preceded in death by her son Elisha, her sister Stacey Harman, her parents, her sister- and brother-in-law Michelle and Terry Mackay, and her mother- and father-in-law Enid and Bud Ricketts.