Ricky Lightly

Rick W. Lightly, 67, of Joice, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Ricky Wayne Lightly, son of David and Ruth (Parsons) Lightly, was born on June 3, 1957 in Des Moines. He grew up in the Des Moines area where he also attended school at Roosevelt High School. While in high school, Rick worked at Sambo’s Restaurant in Des Moines, finding his passion of cooking and restaurant business. He succeeded at setting the Guinness World Record for working 96 hours making pancakes.

In 1988, Rick was united in marriage to Joni Halferty. They moved to Florida in 1989. While in Florida, Rick’s career as a chef became very successful as he worked at exclusive, high-end restaurants. After Joni’s passing in 2012, Rick moved back to Iowa to be closer to his family.

On December 23, 2012, Rick was united in marriage to Terri Eldridge. They eventually made their home in Joice, where Rick worked as a chef at Diamond Jo Casino. Rick and Terri enjoyed traveling across the United States to visit family. Rick loved his Bichon dogs, Sammy, Peepers, and Casper. He was an avid Sea Hawk and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Rick is survived by his wife Terri Lightly; Joni’s children Jr., Carlos, and Tiffany Clark; step-sons Bryan Perry and Bret (Jesse) Perry; 10 grandchildren Haley Perry, Cole Perry, Rilyn Perry, Lane Perry, Ethan Perry, Aleigha Perry, Averie Perry, and Olivia, Dallas, Addilynn Marie Clark; brother Jeff (Connie) Lightly; sister Diane (Rich) Miksell; aunt Lois (Bob) Johnson; nephew Dan Miksell; niece Heather Santi; mother-in-law Mary Kimber; and Terri’s siblings and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents David and Ruth Lightly; late wife Joni; and his fur baby Sammy.