Lillian “Lucille” Ridgeway

Lillian Lucille Ridgeway was born on August 17, 1931 in Ravenden, AR to Robert and Mary Risner. She grew up in Couch, MO with her older brother Herbert, now departed, and her three younger, surviving sisters Martha, Marolyn, and Carolyn. She met her husband, Gordon Ridgeway, in Thayer, MO and they married on October 11, 1950 just one week before he deployed with the army for a year. Upon his return they eventually settled in the St. Louis, MO area where she had their three daughters Charlotte, Nancy, and Carol. She worked at McDonald Douglas for 6 years. In 1973 she went to work as a real estate agent and broker in the St. Charles area. She maintained her real estate license for the rest of her life and would still work with family and friends on purchasing their homes. Gordon and Lucille were married for 57 years until his passing in 2007. She spent the rest of her life dedicated to her family, friends, and the West End Church of Christ where she worshiped for over 60 years. If ever anyone was in need, she was the first one to lend a helping hand.

Lucille’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Charlotte and Larry Traner, Nancy and Ken Hedges, Carol and Bruce VanHook. She is also survived by her 8 grandchildren and their spouses, Amelia and Sean Wiren, Julie and Nate Birt, Jack and Lindsey VanHook, Glenn and Jessica Traner, Cale and Rashell Hedges, Brittany and Cory Dalton, Brice and Emily VanHook, and Garrett Hedges. She also has 10 great-grandchildren, soon to be 11, Micah, Titus, Ezra, and Phoebe Birt; Wesley, Madison, and Grayson Traner; Clark, Eden, and Cade VanHook, and soon to be born Chloe Dalton. Every holiday and birthday were celebrated at her house with a large meal and loud, joyful conversations. Cooking for family and friends was how she showed her love. You would not find her sitting down to eat herself until everyone else had their food. She kept up with the events in everyone’s life and made sure everyone else was kept updated. According to her all she wanted was for all her chicks to be happy and healthy. She was the heart and soul of her family. She will be very missed, but always with us in our hearts.

Memorial contributions in Lucille’s name may be made to Children’s Homes Inc. of Paragould, AR.

Due to the COVID19 Pandemic, services for Lucille will be private for the family only.

The family would like to invite you to watch a live stream of the funeral service on May 21, 2020 at 10:00 am, click here to view.