Ricky James LaVallie

Ricky J. LaVallie, 65, of Terre Haute passed away Thursday, September 1, 2021. He was born July 16, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Shirley (Stites) and Henry LaVallie. He was a 1975 graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School. He married Kim Baker on July 24, 1976.

Rick loved spending time with his large, extended family and friends. He loved making people laugh and feel good when they were with him. He liked sharing a good meal with loved ones. He was a longtime member of Union Christian Church, where he served as tech support and was on the board of trustees. He led several groups on mission trips to Honduras, constructing a church and school and working with children. Rick worked for Kmart Corporation for 35 years and was most recently employed by BandWagon RV Rentals. For the last several years, Rick was a part of the Hoosier Santas group, and he brought great joy to countless children – and adults – during the holiday season with his long white beard and donning one his red Santa suits. He will be missed beyond measure.

Rick is survived by his wife Kim, daughter Angela LaVallie Tinsley (Kory), son Eric LaVallie (Carrie), grandson Tihomir Davis-LaVallie, granddaughter Diana Tinsley; siblings Ron LaVallie (Pam), Tony LaVallie (Dorinda), Pamela Fagg-Guptill (Lauri), Sandra Dunaway, and Andy Guptill; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. He is predeceased by his parents Henry LaVallie and Shirley LaVallie Guptill and his sister Tammie Lawson.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 5, 2021 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Service will begin at 3:00 p.m.  Pastor Mark Grayless will be officiating.  Rick’s family requests that anyone in attendance, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask; if you do not have one, they will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please get vaccinated and wear a mask.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ricky James LaVallie, please visit our floral store.