Mary Virginia Ridings

“Mama, Nana”

Age 84

Mary Virginia Ridings, lovingly known as Mama and Nana, passed away at the age of 84 on December 5, 2025, surrounded by the deep love she so graciously and generously gave throughout her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Virginia Irwin, and her little sister, Melba Faye Irwin. She is survived by her brother, Bobby Irwin; her sister, Judy Irwin; and her devoted husband, Ted Ridings.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she is lovingly remembered by her four children—Jeff (Sharon) Ridings, Mike (Natalie) Ridings, David (Lynda) Ridings, and Christy (Robby) Ryan—as well as her 13 grandchildren (Luke, Bella, Tyler, Rachel, Ciara, Blake, Brady, Bailey, Austin, Sam, Chelsey, Colby, and Chanley) and 21 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.

The most important things to Mary were faith, family, and fun, and she lived each day reflecting these values. Mary lived her life with a generous heart, unwavering faith, and a joyful spirit. She made everyone feel welcomed and cared for, offering comfort, encouragement, and a place at her table. Mary embraced her role as Mama and Nana fully, and her family will carry forward her traditions, her laughter, and the wisdom she freely shared.

She delighted in cooking big family meals, decorating for holidays, and dressing up in her famously spirited and dramatic outfits, bringing joy and fun wherever she went. Her servant’s heart also extended to her church, where she cooked Wednesday night meals, decorated for special events, and poured love into every act of service.

Mary also had a love for antiques and enjoyed “junk shopping” with friends and reselling her finds at local Antique Malls.

Mary was the matriarch of her family—their steady light, their encourager, and their home. Though she is no longer with us, her faith, her love, and her legacy continue in the lives she shaped.

Well done, Mama/Nana. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A funeral service will be held 12pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Robby Ryan officiating.

Burial will follow at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with Colby Ryan, Tyler Ridings, Luke Ridings, Blake Ridings, Brady Ridings and Bailey Ridings serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Monday from 6pm until 8pm and Tuesday from 10am until 12pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.