Garland James Ridgley

He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation he joined the Navy, serving on the Destroyers USS Witek and USS Willis A. Lee. He married his high school sweetheart, Becky Plaine, in 1955. Their family grew to include a son and a daughter. Garland continued his education at The University of Toledo and Akron University while working with several chemical companies ending with 25 years at Standard Oil of Ohio.

After the loss of his wife, he met Donna Sue Baker while taking dance classes and they married in 1980. Donna brought three lovely stepdaughters into the family. Garland and Donna enjoyed competitive ballroom dancing and travel. They visited England, Scotland, Russia, Hong Kong, Israel and cruised the Norway Fjords and the Panama Canal.

Garland was a lifelong scholar and read extensively about religions and military history. He was a member of The Church in Aurora and enjoyed being a member of the Thursday morning Bible study class.

He is survived by his daughter Gail Ridgley Pansini (Paul) of Tucker, GA, stepdaughters Kim Smith Hosler (Randy) of Castle Rock, CO, Becky Smith Catalucci (Jeff) of Aurora OH, Cindy Smith Hudson (C. W.) of Auburn Township, OH, and three grandchildren, Jeff Pansini (Katie), Kate Pansini, and Michael Catalucci. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd Arthur and Anna Mae Ridgley, his brothers Garman Dilworth and Floyd Arthur, Jr., his wife Donna Sue Baker Ridgley, and his son Douglas Bryan Ridgley.

His family will lay him to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery, Twinsburg, Ohio.

It was Garland’s wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Church in Aurora.