WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Lee Ridley, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday evening, Oct. 6, 2011, at her home, with her devoted daughter, Marsha, and dear friend, Darlene, Loetz at her side.
She was born Feb. 20, 1930, in Chicago, a daughter of the late George and Effie (Cooper) Smith.
Lee had resided in Sturgis since 1941 coming from Chicago.
On Dec. 26, 1954, she married Max Sidney Ridley in Howe, Ind. He died Oct. 22, 2007.
She had been employed in the offices of the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for seven years. Following her marriage to Max she became a homemaker and stay-at-home mother.
Lee enjoyed reading, knitting scarves and the companionship of her dog Annie. She truly cherished time spent with her grandson, Tom.
She is survived by one daughter, Marsha Dobberteen of Sturgis; one son, Mark (Kathy) Ridley of Cleveland, Ohio; and the love of her life grandson, Tom Dobberteen of Sturgis; one brother, Ellsworth Smith of Saginaw.; two nephews, Brian Smith and Denny Smith; one niece, Gail Ann Walters of Three Rivers; and special friends, Fred and Darlene Loetz of Sturgis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Georgia Kolassa.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date. The Rev. Robert Keim of the First United Methodist Church of Sturgis will officiate.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Ridley’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
