Ricky Bruce Jenkins

Ricky B. Jenkins

Ava, Missouri

Ricky Bruce Jenkins, 66 years, 3 months, and 29 days, passed away on "January" 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri with his wife close by.

Ricky was born "September" 18, 1959, in San Diego, California to Bruce Sr. and Cheree Jenkins, as the oldest of four siblings. He grew up in a military family, moving across the country, to the Philippines, before settling in Norman, Oklahoma. He later served with the U.S. Navy and was discharged under honorable conditions.

Ricky worked as a handyman and in construction, but health issues forced him into disability. That didn’t stop him, for he turned to volunteering at the Daily Living Center in Norman.

On "May" 28, 2024, Ricky was brought to Ava to be baptized in Yahushua’s name. There he found other eternal brothers and sisters who loved to serve. He decided to settle in Ava and volunteer at Bread of Life Thrift & Grocery store. He had many opportunities to help, serve, manage, advise, counsel, and pray for others in a gentle and loving manner.

Ricky and Saige (Sonyah) Smith were betrothed on "March" 31, 2024 and then later were united in a beautiful marriage on "September" 17, 2024 in Steelville, Missouri.

As a member of the Shepherd’s Way Fellowship of Ava, Ricky welcomed visitors and regulars and took time to relate and build friendships. He gave Bibles away, shared his small leaflets, and had faith-based conversations. Ricky loved the simple life and often answered "How are you" with “I’m better than I deserve.” He saw everyone as virtuous, precious, and a child of Yahweh. "Yep, yep, yepity yep."

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Cheree, and his two aunts, Betty and Mary Ruth.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Saige; his sister Terrie (David W.) Gober, his two brothers, Robbie and Bruce Jr., his four (adult) children, "Nathaniel" (Kris Anne), Jeremiah (Brittany), Anna, Michael, his nephew, Kendell (Wendy), his niece, Nichole (Chris) Ratliff, many grandchildren, grand nephews, grand nieces, extended family and friends, his loyal cat, Iris and his dog (Shorkie), Confetti.

Funeral services for Ricky will be "Friday", "January" 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Murray Cemetery, Squires, MO.

Officiating will be Minister, Tom Martincic. Memorials to the Bread Of Life Giving and Sharing of Ava, (www.GivingandSharing.org) P.O. Box 642, Ava, MO 65608. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.