Obituary for Jeffrey Rickens

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the Rickens family announces the death of Jeffrey (Jeff) Arnold Rickens. Jeff went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 2, with Chelle, Mason, and Maddox by his side. The Rickens Family are members of St. Paul Catholilc Church in Westerville.

Jeff was born on March 25, 1968 in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up in Shelby, Ohio where he attended, and graduated from, Shelby High School. This is where his unwavering love and devotion for his mother, Darlene, was formed. Jeff then attended Bluffton College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management. Following college, Jeff moved to Columbus, Ohio where he met his best friend and soulmate, Michelle Lynne Lawrence. The two were married on September 9, 1995 and had two beautiful sons, Mason Jeffrey (19) and Maddox Jeffrey (17).

Jeff worked at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank for 18 years, and in 2019, he accepted an offer at Huntington Bank as Sr. Vice President, Mortgage Division Manager.

In addition to Michelle, Mason, and Maddox, Jeff is survived in death by his mother, Darlene Mae Rickens, as well as his brother James Thomas Rickens and sister Tamara Jean Friebel. He was predeceased by his father, Glenn Thomas Rickens, stepmother Joyce Rickens, and Mrs. H.

Jeff was known for his quick wit, huge heart, and calm demeanor. Any place that had a need, Jeff could be found behind the scenes -- doing whatever was necessary to help out. He was selfless, motivated, hard working, and an honorable leader. He provided sound coaching and counsel and was a mentor that always had time to talk about work, family and the lives of his coworkers in and out of the office. Some of his favorite phrases were “Giddy Up,” “Hey Buddies,” and “As Long As My Family’s Happy, I’m Happy.” He always knew what to say and how to make you laugh.

He enjoyed watching OSU and Steelers football, coaching Lacrosse and Football, golfing and fishing with family and friends, his “snick/snacks,” cookies and milk, and cereal, but most of all loved watching his sons compete on the fields.

Jeff was devotedly passionate about his family. He wore many hats, but his favorite title was Dad, and the pride and admiration for both of his sons was evident in his daily actions and conversations. Nothing was ever really about HIM. He often told his boys that “It takes a big man to stand up for himself, but an even bigger one to stand up for others.” On Father’s Day, his sons wanted to honor him for the incredible Dad that he was. In true Jeff fashion, he wanted the emphasis on what his sons had done for him and not about the actual day.

Anybody that knew Jeff and Chelle, instantly knew that they had found the “loves of their lives.” Jeff‘s family was not constructed by blood alone. His extended family of friends and co-workers proves that family is so much more than that. He will be dearly missed.

For all who knew Jeff, you will appreciate these parting words, “Glad You Got To See Me.”