Margaret Jane Ridge, 96, of Marion and formerly of Richwood, died early Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, at Marion General Hospital, the same day her 24th great-grandchild was born.
A graduate of Richwood High School in 1939, she later married her first husband, Dwight Ridge, and shared 38 wonderful years with him making a home, raising a family and operating Green Acres Farm, where she resided for 74 years.
A woman of God and a faithful member of the Richwood Church of Christ for 82 years, she was also a member of the Fortnightly Club, Carpa Diem Club, Knight Literary Clubs, Child Conservation League, Prospect Garden Club and Prospect Senior Citizens, where she served as president. She also worked for the Elgin School District for 13 years and retired in 1988.
Having a green thumb, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, traveling and crafts. Being active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, she was always ready for the next adventure. She also enjoyed sports, especially baseball, which she imparted onto her children and grandchildren.
Fair, kind, caring and humble, she was quiet in nature. Fiercely independent, whether it was operating the family farm after her first husband, Dwight, died, or mowing the ditches around the farm into her 90s, she was steadfast in her spirit and determination. She had the largest of hearts and her concern and loyalty for her family, community, and warm smile will long be remembered.
She treasured being surrounded by her large family and being at family gatherings and celebrations. Her desire was to be remembered as a good wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was born on her family’s farmstead in Thompson Township, in Delaware County, on April 21, 1921, as one of three daughters to the late Frank W. and Mildred (Fryman) Kirk. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Dwight Ridge, who died June 1, 1978; second husband, Stanley Beery; son-in-law, Robert Smith, who died in 2009; great-grandchildren, Nash Pollock, who died in 2008, and Vivyan Pollock, who died in 2012; grandson-in-law, Dan McNally, who died in 2005; sister-in-law, Katherine Miller, who died in 2011; and brother-in-law, Ted Miller, who died in 2006.
She is survived by her children, Jacquelyn (Clay) Snyder of Delaware, Margaret E. “Peggy” Smith of Marion, Bradley (Kathy) Ridge of Marion, Sharon (Joseph) Yantis of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Larry (Sue) Ridge of Flushing, Michigan; treasured grandchildren, Sheryl (John) Usher, Jennifer (Garey) Rittenhouse, Michael (Rachel) Yantis, Stephen (Divena) Smith, Megan (Shad) Pollock, Jason (Jenifer) Smith, Kirk (Michelle) Ridge, Brent (Patricia) Ridge, Ryan (Ashley) Ridge, Kyle (Janay) Ridge, Cory (Kim) Ridge, C.D. “Ridge” Snyder and M.M. “Sophi” Snyder; cherished great-grandchildren, Tyler, Joseph McNally, Addison, Ellison Rittenhouse, Cody Yantis, Brinnen, R. “Turner” Smith, Avyriel, Hudson, Riggins Pollock, Rider, Beckett, Holt Smith, Ruby, Ethan Ridge, Sawyer, Maddox, Willow, Decker, Margaret and Edith and Aaron Ridge, who are both twins; sister, Roberta “Bobbie” (Wayne) Seiter of Prospect; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and a host of friends.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr. at W. William St., in Delaware. Elder Jeff Evans will officiate services celebrating her life at 11 a.m. Friday at Richwood Church of Christ, 29063 Sivey Rd., in Richwood. Her family will also greet friends at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Thompson Township (Shoup) Cemetery, next to her first husband, Dwight.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richwood Church of Christ.