Caroline Reid Ridlehuber

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ted Ruff Ridlehuber; daughters, Alice Ann Bowman (Jeff), Susan Buchanan (Phil), and Amy O’Neill (Shane); and grandchildren, Caroline Colley, Joe Colley, Anna Buchanan, Ally Buchanan, Clark O’Neill, Wes O’Neill, Janie O’Neill, Nora O’Neill, Hannah Bowman Lemoine, and Jeffrey Bowman; great-granddaughter, Lilly Lemoine; siblings, Donald Reid (Barbie), Willard Reid (Jane), Nancy Reid, Judy Reid; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Caroline moved to Athens in 1955 after spending four years with her family in Cairo, Egypt. She was a graduate of Athens High School and the University of Georgia where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Caroline was a member of Athens First United Methodist Church, the Athens Junior Assembly, the Franklin College Board of Advisors, and the Wednesday Study Club. She was an avid reader, gardener, and world traveler.

Caroline’s passion for children permeated her entire adulthood. At Athens Academy for almost 40 years, she served as an English teacher, Middle School Director, Curriculum Coordinator, and Academic Dean for Grades K3-6. An innovative, visionary educator, she pursued the way to motivate each learner and encouraged colleagues to do the same. Ahead of her time, she recognized that students have individual learning styles. She made learning fun and engaging for both teachers and students. Generations of students and their families benefitted and will continue to benefit from her wisdom and loving guidance.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she was loved for her sense of humor, wealth of knowledge, giving spirit, and compassionate heart.

A memorial service will be held at Athens First United Methodist Church at 2:00 on Monday, April 24 officiated by Martha Aenchbacher. Family will receive visitors in Hancock Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caroline Ridlehuber Endowment at Athens Academy, P.O. Box 6548, Athens, GA 30604.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.