Virginia Callaway Ridle

Born in Princeton, WV, Ginny moved to Atlanta, GA., to attend Agnes Scott College, subsequently transferring to Ohio State University where she met her future husband, Richard Edward Ridle. They relocated to Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and raised five children: Anthony Ridle (Judy), Julie Ridle Stanley, Lisa Ridle Schommer (Paul), Beth Ridle and Jamie Ridle Duell (Richard) along with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In 1977, the Ridles moved to Scottsdale, AZ, and in 1980, seven years after losing her husband in an auto accident, Ginny joined the workforce for the first time and had a successful career in customer service.

She loved idioms. When she was in the later stages of her disease, a chaplain visited Ginny. He greeted her and offered his hand and Ginny responded, “It’s a pleasure to pump your paw, partner.” She loved to sing silly old-time songs and her passion was reading several books a week and as a result, she was exceptionally well-read and informed. Witty even in her final months, she had comical quips and clever retorts to her family’s comments.

There was an inherent beauty about her. She always had a kind word and was gracious to all. She filled her loved ones’ lives with happiness and love, and her inner and outer beauty were unsurpassed. A line from the song Starry Starry Night by Don McLean summed up Ginny’s life: “This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.” And it wasn’t. Ginny will be so missed. She has left an enormous void that nothing will ever fill. Spending her final days in her home, she received loving care from her primary caregiver, Beth; and the utmost devotion from Jamie, Lisa and Anthony. Her nurse, Carrie Lucas, was amazing; and Hospice of the Valley was a godsend. Their compassion will never be forgotten.

With a beautiful and kind heart, Ginny left an indelible mark on her children and grandchildren. They fully expect to be met by her in Heaven with the greeting, “It’s a pleasure to pump your paw, partner.” She will be missed immensely but she is now without pain and confusion. God bless you, Ginny Ridle.