Mary Ellen Ridenour

Mary Ellen Eveland was born December 11, 1941 to Alma Ellen (Tell) Eveland and Robert Elmer Eveland in St. Louis, Missouri. Mary was predeceased by an infant sister, Alma Arlene Eveland, and both parents.

Mary grew up in and around the St. Louis area, graduating from high school in 1959. Following high school, she worked at Ozark Airlines and Remmert Werner (an aircraft conversion company) in the accounts payable departments. It was there she met William (Bill) Edward Strachan.

In 1961, at the age of 19 she and Bill married. Shortly afterwards, Bill entered the army and they began the life of a career army family.

Although she loved school and learning, her ultimate goal was to be a wife and mother, and she was determined to have a large family. In the span of 13 years 5 children were added to the family: Barbara, Karen, William (Bill), James, and Christy. Mary and Bill divorced in 1983.

Mary reentered the workforce in the late 1970’s at Pikes Peak Title Company in Woodland Park.

In 1984 Mary met and married Jerald Ray Ridenour, ultimately moving from Woodland Park to Colorado Springs. It was there that she continued her employment at Air Academy and ENT Federal Credit Unions working in the title departments until retiring in 2003.

In 1995 Mary had her first breast cancer diagnosis and was then cancer free until 2015 when it returned. She would eventually have 5 separate cancer battles involving multiple types of cancer. It was her faith and feisty determination that brought her through her many chemotherapy treatments. In August of 2024, her body was no longer able to fight the cancer, and she entered into Hospice care. Amazingly she initially enjoyed a period of energy and rejuvenation as the chemo left her body. In early October she began feeling the effects of the growing cancer, and Mary fought bravely until her body had no more strength. She entered into the arms of Jesus early on November 13, 2024 surrounded by her husband and children.

Mary is survived by her husband Jerry and children: Barbara Fritz, Karen Pierce, William Strachan, James Strachan, Christy Fisher, Robert Ridenour and Doug Ridenour. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 5th at Woodmen Valley Chapel located at 290 E Woodmen Road in Colorado Springs.