Iris Eileen (Jones) Doyle Ricucci, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 9:47 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the home of her daughter in Scottsville, VA. She was 85.

Eileen was born on April 19, 1939, in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Charles Ralph and Iris Eulalie (Hopkins) Jones.

She and her first husband, the late Luther LaFair Doyle, Jr. were blessed with seven daughters. Later Eileen married Salvatore "Al" Ricucci who stepped into the role of father-figure and grandfather with unequaled amounts of delight and sincerity.

Surviving Eileen are daughters Cynthia R. (Steve) Pace of Shreveport, LA; Polly J. (Dan) Allen of Maplewood, OH; Sherrill L. (Randy) Skinner of Botkins, OH; Linda K. Doyle of Lynchburg, VA; Elizabeth E. (John) Bushnell of Mina, SD; Evelyn L. (Alan) Acree of Scottsville, VA; and Kellie E. (Barry) Kessler of Virginia Beach, VA. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren with 3 on the way, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Rosalie Lunsford of Sidney, Erma Russell of Nebraska, Michael Jones of Thornville, and Marsha Cost of Sidney. A host of nieces and nephews are also left to cherish her memory.

Husband Al preceded Eileen in death along with her parents; a stepfather, William M. Jones, and siblings Joseph L. Jones, Robert E. Jones, Helen L. (Jones) Dhein, James D. Jones, and Chrystal Sue (Jones) Doyle. She was also preceded in death by eleven brothers-and sisters-in-law and one granddaughter, Hope L. Skinner.

Eileen was a Sidney High School graduate with the class of 1957. After graduation she began a brief but intriguing career in the US Air Force in security and intelligence which was cut short when she became an Air Force wife and stay-at-home mom. She threw herself into her new role. School Halloween carnivals, children's parties, Brownie troops, and neighborhood children-she showed great skill, compassion, and energy for all. Eileen continued to work with children as both an elementary and high school teacher and aide (in schools where aides taught in their own classrooms) and as an aide at Shelby Hills. She also assisted with the opening of the Shelby County HeadStart program. Eileen held a realtor's license and became a department manager for Thalhimer's Department Store in Virginia Beach. Upon retirement she relished road trips with Al, visiting grandkids in various states, traveling backroads along the way. Returning to Sidney she reconnected with old high school friends, shopped and went out to lunch, and engaged in many church activities at First Baptist Church which led to new friendships-again, while keeping up with family around the U.S. with frequent visits.

Eileen was an introspective, philosophical person who could draw one into a conversation quite easily with sincere interest, making those around her feel special and unique. By just listening she made each person genuinely feel validated and loved, speaking words of truth and life. She could speak with researched knowledge on a variety of subjects-business management, economics, politics--and more obscure topics, as well. Her love of learning was insatiable. Her great memory allowed her to recall names and facts long forgotten by everyone else. As a mom and grandma she was extremely observant. Not too much got past her. She still showed endless patience with little ones. But now they were her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a captivating storyteller and vividly shared stories of her young growing up years. Eileen was a good cook who never used a recipe.

Whenever Eileen arrived at a gathering you knew the party had started. Her good humor and smile could put everyone in a good mood. If there was music she was singing along and dancing. She even shared the DJ's mic once at a wedding reception! She was immensely proud of each individual in her family. Her "Brag Book" was all stored in her head but she gladly shared it anytime, anywhere. She eagerly anticipated family reunions and weddings far in advance to once again enjoy time with those she loved. Her best friend was her big sister Rose and they spent countless hours together, discussing all manner of topics and never tiring of the other's company. Even if it was only on their Echo devices the conversations could last for hours.

Eileen was a lovely person with style and grace, who cared deeply and prayed for many. She lifted spirits and championed and encouraged those she cared about. That was her cause.

Hobbies included watercolor painting of which she shared many pieces, crocheting many items for charity and grandkids alike, reading historical novels and books about the Amish culture, dancing, flower gardening, and refining her savvy shopping skills for the thrill of a great bargain.

Eileen was a member of the Fluvanna Baptist Church in Virginia. Her Christian faith and love for Jesus were immensely important to her. She was a Bible class and women's studies teacher over the years. In Sidney she led Ladies AM Bible Study Group several years ago. Eileen was also a member of Sidney American Legion Post 217. Many years ago she was a volunteer for the 700 Club, taking prayer line requests.

We know God has folded her into His everlasting arms and welcomed her home, free of pain, completely healed.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Fluvanna Baptist Church, 7545 W. River Rd., Scottsville, Virginia, with Pastor Alan Acree officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sidney at a later date for all family and friends.