Sandi Lynn Ridgeway

Sandra Lynn Ridgeway, age 57, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, July 11, 2016 at Golden Living-Riverchase in Hoover, AL with family and friends by her side. "Sandi" was born with Downs Syndrome, but was never identified by that term. Instead, she was defined by her cheerful attitude and her loving and giving spirit.

Sandi attended the Opportunity Center School in her younger years, then Pizitz Middle School until the age of 21. She also volunteered for many years at Assistance League of Birmingham in one of its programs, Operation School Bell.

Sandi loved reading her Bible, even though for the last several years she was unable to attend church. However, her faith and beliefs were strong. She also loved and enjoyed attending Alabama football games, volunteer work, riding her horse Chief, all elements of the space program, travel, local news on Fox TV television, and most of all her family and friends.

Sandi was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Eldridge and Ruby Ridgeway of Birmingham and Snead, and her maternal grandparents, Robert and Garnette Tyler of Birmingham. Survivors include Sandi's parents, Harold Lynn Ridgeway and Sandra Tyler Ridgeway, and her sisters, Susan Ridgeway Bartlett (Mike) and Shannon Ridgeway Lamoureux. Sandi is also survived by Aunt Barbara Tyler Hill; Uncle Ron Ridgeway (Janice); cousins; and nieces and nephews, Melinda Bartlett-Box, Chris Bartlett, Russ Lamoureux, and Emma Lamoureux, whom she adored and enjoyed immensely.

Thanks to the staffs of Golden Living-Riverchase, Lakeview Estates Assisted Living of Birmingham, and their doctors and nurses for their loving care and devotion to Sandi. A special thanks also to Gentiva Hospice for their care, information, and assistance over a period of several years, especially during Sandi's last days. All of these people were always a source of comfort to the family.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, immediately followed by the 11 a.m. celebration of Sandi's life in Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham. Burial, Southern Heritage Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be made to Assistance League of Birmingham, 1755 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. Or, give to a charity of your choice.