Marie Ridenhour

Lois "Marie" Ridenhour, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Hulbert, Oklahoma, on January 3, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 85 years old. Born on January 21, 1940, in Woodall, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Zeke and Opal (Post) Ryder.

Marie graduated from high school and went on to serve her community for many years as a secretary for Hulbert Public Schools. Through her work, she left a lasting legacy, touching the lives of countless students and staff members with her steady presence and kindness.

Known for her sharp wit and fun-loving spirit, Marie had a wonderful sense of humor, often telling folks she was heading to "Walmart" when she was actually off to the casino. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether she was watching basketball, playing bingo, or sitting down with her word searches and a good book. She loved tending to her flowers, watching Westerns—especially Gunsmoke—and enjoyed relaxing with a cigarette. Above all else, she was a woman who fiercely loved her family.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Joe, Tommy, and Raymond Ryder; one sister, Barbara Creech; two sons, Mark Young and Bobby Joe Young; and one daughter, Sherry Lynn McNeil.

Her memory will be cherished by her surviving family, including two sons, Donnie Ridenhour and Mike Young, both of Hulbert; and two sisters, Linda Colburn of Tahlequah and Sue Weathers of Hulbert. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Jason Young and wife Marlena, Christi Berry and husband Tony, Dalaina Botts and husband Kevin, Colt Young and wife Holly, Chad McNeil, Kaley McNeil, Cody Young, Thomas Ridenhour, and Alysta Johnson and husband Ithyan. Her legacy further lives on through her eight great-grandchildren, Addison Allison and husband Elisha, Shade Berry and wife Kianna, Raelyn Botts, Ryder Botts, Kambri Young, Brenly Young, Oliver Young, and Lenze Young.

A visitation will be held for Marie on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Reed Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Reed Culver Chapel with Bro. Bobby Botts and Bro. Harley Disheroon officiating. Marie will be laid to rest at Price Cemetery in Tahlequah following the services.

Pallbearers serving the family include Harley Disheroon, Jason Young, Chad McNeil, Colt Young, Thomas Ridenhour, and Shade Berry. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Disheroon, Jack Teague, David Stanley, David Creech, Greg Shade, and Cody Young.