Lois was the oldest of three children. Lois graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1958. She went on from there to Nursing School and attended programs in both Iowa and New York. She was a paramedic for the Circleville Emergency Squad.
She was most proud of becoming a paramedic because it required 100% passage of the exams. Taking tests was a huge challenge for Lois so passing meant the world to her. Later in her life she went to college for bookkeeping and did accounting and tax preparation for several businesses and the church she attended in Florida.
Lois was a nurse, student, wife, mother, paramedic, and a widow.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband and her husband, Bruce Chenoweth Ridgway a retired military veteran. They were married on December 19, 1995, and spent many wonderful years together.
Lois is survived by her brother, Dr. Eugene Blackstone and his wife, Janet, sister, Joyce Blackstone, stepson, Lewis B Ridgway, three children, Elayne K Cole, Nathan B Cole and his wife, Tania M Cole, and Nadyne E Cole Leist, eight grandchildren, Sarah A. Neil and her husband, Ronald M. Neil, Sherrie Ritchey and her significant other, Chris Kelly, Casey Lynn, Patisha Kingery, Rory Leist and his wife, Taylor, Olivia ”Max” R Cole, Veronica “Edward” S Cole, Winter “Vixen” H Cole, eight great-grandchildren, Alexander L. Neil, Heath Ritchey, Rylee Kelly, Jaelyn Kelly, Lillian, Kai, Koa and Aurelia.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
