Forrest Leigh “Cap” Ridgway, 83, passed away November 19, 2018. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Des Moines First Assembly of God, 2725 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, with a luncheon in the fellowship hall following the service. Graveside services will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines after the luncheon. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Des Moines First Assembly of God in Des Moines.
Cap was born in Des Moines, IA on March 30, 1935 to William Forrest and Dortha Irene (Moorman) Ridgway. He graduated in 1953 from Valley High School in West Des Moines. He married the love of his life Sandra Kay (Mosier) Ridgway on September 29, 1956. Cap was a homebuilder in the Des Moines area, raising his family in West Des Moines. He was proud of the fact that the Ridgway’s have graduated 5 generations from Valley High School. He later moved to Van Meter upon retiring where he spent time farming and countless hours mowing his beloved yard where he lived out the rest of his days.
Cap also enjoyed hunting, fishing and had a general love for the outdoors. When not at the co-op, driving around Madison County, or watching his crops grow he was a dedicated season ticket holder for the Iowa Cubs and Drake men’s and women’s basketball teams. He also faithfully attended Drake relays rain or shine.
Cap and Sandy loved hosting gatherings for family, friends and neighbors. You could find him flipping burgers and scooping homemade ice cream for the dozens in attendance. The annual 4th of July and Christmas party with his elaborate light display were highlights of the neighborhood. Cap’s love for cribbage was passed on to the younger generations who would compete with him at the annual Iowa State Fair tournament.
Cap lived his life centered on the foundation of faith, family and friends. Cap’s love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was displayed daily in his Bible reading, devotions, decades of greeting at Sunday morning church and the legacy he leaves behind for his family.
Forrest is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra; five children, Forrest Jr. (Laura) Ridgway of West Des Moines and their children, Megan (Matt) McNeece, Forrest “Bif” Ridgway III (Kristy), Parker and Noah Ridgway; twins, Janelle (Steve) Foster of Van Meter and their children, Stacey and Grant Foster; and Jeffrey (Connie) Ridgway of Van Meter and their children, Dan West, Megan West, Matthew (Hannah), Timothy, and Allison Ridgway; David (Rosemary) Ridgway of Johnston and their children, Natalie, Spencer, Sophia, Clarissa, and Joseph Ridgway; Julie (David) Barner of St. Charles, IL and their children, Zachary, Mitchell, Emma, and Samuel Barner; four great-grandchildren, Levi and Logan McNeece, Riley West, and Forrest Ridgway IV, with another great grandson in 2019; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Gay and Lou Friestad; brother, James Ridgway; nephew, Scott Friestad; and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mohammed "Mo" Milhem, nurses, and staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for all the wonderful care they gave to Cap.
Memorials may be directed to Des Moines First Assembly of God, 2725 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines 50310, New Hope Assembly, 4425 70th St. in Urbandale 50322, or the American Cancer Society-Iowa Chapter.
