Layel Conway Ridenour

LAYEL CONWAY (L.C.) RIDENOUR
ITHACA - Our beloved "L.C." died on Saturday, August 16th, less than a week after celebrating his 98th birthday. He left this earth while in peaceful sleep at Kendal in Ithaca.
L.C. lived an active and full life focused on family, friends, farm, and faith. He leaves behind his son, George Ridenour (Jeanette Shady) of Ithaca; and daughter, Mary Ridenour Dietz (Robert Dietz, deceased) of Richmond, VA; granddaughters, Sheryl Ridenour of Chicago, IL, Rev. Rachael Dietz of Hobbie, PA, Richelle Dietz (A. J. Howes, Ph.D.) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Sarah Ridenour of Ithaca; sister-in-law, Anna Volkert of Hicksville, Ohio; loving nieces and nephews who dot our land from East to West Coast; and many devoted friends.
L.C. was a farmer; the third generation of Ridenours to till the soil of and raise livestock on the family farm in Hicksville, Ohio. It was in this small community, after graduation from Ohio State University, that he wed the love of his life, Nannie Lee Rush, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage and who predeceased him in 2002. Their life together was not without struggle as they braved the depression, mourned the loss of their infant son, Charles, and worked long and hard days to maintain the farm during difficult financial times. However, grounded in their faith, they prospered and always found time to engage with church and community-from leadership roles in Rotary, non-profit trustee and board positions, and church-related chairmanships to acting with the Hicksville Village Players, Saturday night Bridge, rounds of golf with friends at the Country Club, and worldwide travel upon retirement. In 1999, he and Nan sold the farm to longtime friends, Bill and Doris Cleland, and moved to Kendal at Ithaca.
One cannot talk of L.C. without mentioning his passion for woodworking. Ridenour family homes are all marked with L.C.'s handiwork-tables, quilt racks, plant stands, curios, table accessories, games and toys, and the remarkable "do nothing." What wonderful treasures these are to us.
His grandchildren will always remember Granddad's impish smile and their own giggles as he counted their ribs, the games of croquet on the back lawn of the farm, and hot mountain pies freshly baked on the many campfires that L.C. lit in his lifetime. We suspect these riches will find their way to new generations of Ridenour children in fond remembrance of L.C.
L.C. was a selfless and generous man who found it important to "pay it forward," as the saying goes. He established the Ridenour Family Fund in 2002 through the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, which has supported and will continue to support L.C.'s wide range of philanthropic interests in both Ohio and New York State.
Thank you, L.C. (Dad, Granddad, and Uncle), for all you have given us, especially your profound example and your unwavering love. Although we will no longer hear your voice or see your gentle smile, we will forever hold you safe in our hearts where tender memories will sustain us.
L.C.'s wishes were to lay in rest with his adored Nan at the Lost Creek Cemetery in Hicksville, Ohio; the date of interment is yet to be determined. Family and friends who wish to honor him are asked to consider a gift to Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850; phone (607) 272-0212.