Obituary

Maxine Janet Ricks' Dees
July 29, 1951 - July 17, 2020



Maxine Janet Ricks’ Dees, age 68 and of Kentwood, LA , was born on July 29, 1951, and went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, July 17, 2020. Her devoted husband of 50 years, Gary Dees, Sr. was right by her side as she entered into the arms of her Savior, as he had remained steadfast throughout their life together.

Janet Dees was a loving mother and grandmother, who loved the Lord, her church, flowers and plants and her family more than anything. She had a huge heart for all- especially children and dogs. Janet never met a dog she didn’t like and went to great lengths to feed a hungry one. She was the only person to go to an orthodontist and come home with a dog! She was known to many as “Mrs. Dees”, and drove bus 9C for 29 years for Tangipahoa Parish School System. She was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and a charter member of New Beginnings Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended. Even when her body began to fail, her faith in the Lord and Savior never once wavered.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gary Wayne Dees, Sr.; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Gary Dees, Jr. and Sarah Thompson Dees of Roseland, LA, and Jonathan Leo Dees and Amy Stevens Dees of Albany, LA; a daughter, Leslie Jannell Dees and friend Ronald Walker of Wilmer. Her grandchildren include Brentley Dees, Olivia and Trey Dees, Meghan Dees and Shawn and Beth Hilburn Walker and Alex Miller; great-grandchildren, Lexie and Lizzie Walker. Also, she is survived by her twin sister and brother-in-law, Helen Janice Ricks’ Bond and Dale Bond of Franklinton, LA; a sister Billie Jean Ricks’ Smith and Wayne Smith of McComb, MS and a brother and sister-in-law, Johnny Ricks’ and Jean Fairburn Ricks’ of Kentwood, LA. She is also survived by numerous other nieces and amazing friends and family members.

Mrs. Dees was preceded in death by her loving parents, Leo and Maxine Ricks’ and a niece, Tammy Jan Ricks.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sunday, and from 8:00
AM until religious services at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 20, 2020. Interment Dees Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.