Eldon Ray Ridley
March 31st, 1928 - July 25th, 2024
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Eldon's Obituary
Eldon Ray Ridley, 96, went home to be with the Lord on July 25th, 2024, surrounded by family at Douglas Cove Health and Rehabilitation in Douglas, Michigan under Hospice care. He was born on March 31st, 1928, in South Haven. His parents were Emmet and Thelma Faye (Overhiser) Ridley of Casco Township. Eldon attended Hadaway School through 8th grade and then graduated from South Haven High School in 1946. Eldon joined the army after graduation on December 4, 1946. He served in Germany and returned home in May of 1948. Eldon moved to Florida but was soon homesick for the farm and his family in South Haven. Eldon met the love of his life, Joan Cortright, and they were married on December 4th, 1949. They moved into the house where he grew up and raised their 3 children there. Eldon and Joan shared 35 years of marriage together until her death in 1985. Eldon farmed with his father Emmet and brother Charlie until his retirement in 1995. He served his community for 40 years as a Casco Township Trustee. He was a member of Casco United Methodist Church. Eldon loved to go on fishing trips to Canada and deer hunting trips to Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula with his dad, brothers, cousins and friends. He also made his annual 2-week camping trip to Timber Surf Campground in Fountain, MI for 40+ years.
Eldon is survived by his children, Terri (Jim) Marquess, LouAnn (John) Brush, and Jim (Sandra) Ridley along with 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Two sisters also survive, Betty Carpenter of Spring Lake, MI and Carole Randall of Laurel, MT.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, one sister, Bonnie Bradstreet and 3 brothers, Wayne, Charlie and Emmet (Larry).
Visitation will be held at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 South Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM, officiated by Rev. David Meister. Eldon will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township immediately following the funeral service and will be honored with a 21-gun salute.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eldon’s memory to the American Cancer Society in honor of his wife Joan, or to Al-Van Humane Society for his love of dogs. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Eldon is survived by his children, Terri (Jim) Marquess, LouAnn (John) Brush, and Jim (Sandra) Ridley along with 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Two sisters also survive, Betty Carpenter of Spring Lake, MI and Carole Randall of Laurel, MT.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, one sister, Bonnie Bradstreet and 3 brothers, Wayne, Charlie and Emmet (Larry).
Visitation will be held at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 South Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM, officiated by Rev. David Meister. Eldon will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township immediately following the funeral service and will be honored with a 21-gun salute.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eldon’s memory to the American Cancer Society in honor of his wife Joan, or to Al-Van Humane Society for his love of dogs. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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