Obituary of Robert Ridley

Robert K. Ridley died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 19. His loving wife of sixty-nine years was by his side. Robert, son of Charles and Rosetta Schofield Ridley was born February 15, 1924 in Mt. Morris, the second of five children. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the US Army, serving through the end of WWII. He served in Europe over three years where he was missing in action, taken prisoner of war and wounded twice. Robert returned to the Mt. Morris area where he became a carpenter, building homes with Bruce Knickerbocker. Then until his retirement, Bob built and installed custom cabinets for Woodcraft Kitchens. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lois M. Montague, October 8, 1943. He served as minister of music at First Baptist Church of Clio for fifty years. Uncle Bob, as he preferred to be called, loved to share his faith in Jesus Christ, seeking out those with whom he could share the Gospel. Robert is survived by his wife, Lois, and six children: Vivian (Dwight) Wymer, Dell (Kendra) Ridley, Ann Cascarelle, Daniel Ridley, Jeanette (Karl) Swords and Stephen (Amy) Ridley. He has twenty-two grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, a brother, Carl, and three sisters, Wilma Jean Shenkel (deceased), Kay Evans and Beth Stagg DeLaat. The family will be available to visit with friends, Saturday, 2:00 to 5:00pm at Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris. A memorial service will be held Sunday, 3:00pm, First Baptist Church of Clio, Rev. Jim Marcus officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 218 S. Mill, Clio, MI 48420, Carriage Town Ministries of Flint or Gideons International.