Date of Death: January 8, 2023
Service Details
Visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Rev. Brenda Deily officiating. She will be laid to rest in North Fulton Cemetery, Fulton.
Obituary Notice
Mary Jeanette Ridgley, 80, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born September 25, 1942 in Vicksburg, the daughter of Leslie G. and Dorothy M. (Roberts) Greenman.
After graduating from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1960, Jeanette attended Ferris College to become a dental technician. While at Ferris, Jeanette met the love of her life, John Ridgley II, dashing pharmacy student. She raised her girls and started her next journey as “the lunch lady” at several Three Rivers area schools over the next 30 years.
On June 17, 1967, she married John W. Ridgley; they shared nearly 30 years together prior to his passing in 1996. They were active in their church community at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville. Jeanette served as deacon, participated with the Jeanne LeFranc Circle, and was honored with a Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership.
In addition, Jeanette was active in the Order of Eastern Star from a young adulthood as was her mother and mother-in-law before her. She made lifelong friends and served the community as a whole.
She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and crafts. She enjoyed her time with friends. Such her time with the “Breakfast Club” from her graduating class from High School, playing cards or dominos, or just being a friend to talk to.
She was a strong woman of both faith and self. She was a TRUE friend. She had a way of turning friends into family. She was sassy with a bit of salty and dry humor. She spoke with honesty and conviction. She had a talent of giving just what was needed at the right time. Whether it was a hand sewn project of love or words that needed to be spoken. She was a determined woman and a true servant to her faith, family and friends.
Remaining to cherish her memory are two daughters, Diane (James) Blades and Nancy Ridgley; three grandchildren, Emily Fletter, Colin Fletter, and Brendon Blades; one sister-in-law, Noreene Greenman, several nieces and a nephew. And the “family” that she chose.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, and her brother, James Greenman.
Additional Information
Donations in Jeanette’s memory may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville or the charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
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I knew Jeanette from the Presbyterian church. A lovely lady who made the world a better place.
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was such a character and always had a smile on her face. I’ve enjoyed our friendship over the years, starting with you girls in pre-school. Please know I’m thinking of you.
Whenever I was with my childhood (and lifelong) best friend Nancy, her mom Jeanette was my mom too. Wonderfully matter of fact, often hilarious, and incredibly caring — this was the person that I feel so lucky to have known as a second mom whenever I was with my bestie. From Girl Scout troops to 4H meetings, to dress up with her old Eastern Star dresses, to middle school sleepovers, to high school football games and dances, to moving into college dorms, Jeanette was such a solid and supportive presence in my life. After Nancy and I went off to separate schools and careers, and ultimately ended up living far apart, whenever I was fortunate enough to be back in the area and see Jeanette, it was like no time had passed. She always made me feel special and loved. I am so grateful to have known her, and for the impact she had on my life. When I look at the face of my best friend, and hear some of those tried and true expressions — it’s so nice to see and hear you there, Mom Ridgley. Thanks for being wonderful you, and for the special qualities you and John left with us in Nancy, Diane and your grandkids.
To Diane, Nancy and the Greenman and Ridgley Families-Jan was a dear woman that I had the pleasure of knowing and sharing some joyful occasions with. As we aged, the occasions lessened but I/we thought about her often, as well as Diane and Nancy. We are truly sorry to hear of her home going but rejoice that she is with our Lord. R.I.H.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Melvin and Stephanie Matthews
Thank you 💖
I think the first time I met Jeannette was at an outlaw gathering in Michigan. As my first impression, I remember that she truly took things in with an astute look and a hearty chortle. That trip was followed up with her sharing a 3 bean recipe (because I had said I liked it) and a hand made trivot. Our next meeting involved a lengthy group discussion on the best way to hard boil an egg (who knew there were so many options!) and I recall watching the photographer gather her family together in pictures and I remember thinking how strong and composed she was. That trip was followed up with a hand embroided towel. Our last gathering continued with campfire stories and some never-before-shared antedotes and was also followed up with a hand-sewn gift. I love that she took the time to give a little bit of herself with some practicality. I love that she made hand-sewn gift wrap for the holidays. She loved her family with strength and passion and wasn’t swayed by the chaos in the world around her. She remained steady and forthright. My sincerest condolences to the Blades, the Ridgeleys and Fletters during this time of sorrow, but know the memories and the lessons never leave us.
I will always hold pieces of Jeanette near to my heart: at the start of the pandemic, my very first mask (and several to follow) she crafted with such care and skill; a beautiful apron with a pattern of birds, flowers, and insects (all creatures I love deeply); and, most importantly, my cherished friend, her daughter Nancy, who embodies the very best parts of her beloved parents who raised her to be an exceptional human being. All my love to Jeanette’s family and friends who will miss her but carry with them a lasting piece of her legacy.
She was a lifelong friend since we started school together at Fulton and all the way through school.
Have some good memories of things in the past Jeanette was a good person always ready to go.
She will be deeply missed.
RIP
She was a sweetie and will be missed by all who knew her! Sympathies to her family.
I worked with Jeanette at Andrews School when My children were there and She was the Lunch room Cook ,We had some great laughs about things and I was PTA President and Room Mother! Those were the “Good Old Days” , She was a real Worker and Ran the Lunch room like a “Drill Sargent…! She will be greatly missed ,
Thank you for that fond memory of her! I remember being a little girl and going to see her when she was a lunch lady at the high school 😊
Granddaughter Emily