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BORN
1940
DIED
2020
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Charles Ridge Obituary
Charles Elliott Ridge passed away quietly on Wednesday, Sept 2nd, 2020. Known as "Elliott", Elliott is survived by: son, Chuck Ridge; daughter, Kathy Kuelz and husband, Karl; and sisters, Ruthie Griggs, Jean Crist and Jane Burton. Elliott is also survived by his grandchildren: Natalie Ridge, Grace Ward, Elliott Kuelz and Erica Claxton. Elliott was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Hope Jordan Ridge in 2014.
Born on July 5th, 1940, Elliott grew-up in Hillsville, Va. and was the son of Charles Evans and Ruth Brown Ridge. He attended Augusta Military Academy (AMA) with distinction where, among other accomplishments, he was Captain of the Band, played center on the football team and was elected to Ad Astra Per Aspera - an honorary fraternity comprised of the ten outstanding seniors for the year.
After AMA, Elliott attended Ferrum. There he met and married his devoted Hope. He then returned to Hillsville to work in his father's Ben Franklin Five & Dime stores. A natural salesman, Elliott worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of SW Va, worked as a carpet broker and owned his own insurance agency.
In 2002, Elliott suffered a physically debilitating stroke that provided a new perspective on life and prodded him to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. For 12 years until Hope's death, Hope in partnership with care-giver, Melody, worked tirelessly to care for Elliott. After Hope's death Elliott eventually moved to Roanoke to reside at Raleigh Court Nursing Home. While at Raleigh Court, favorite weekend activities with family included going to church, going out to eat, enjoying toddies on the back porch and the occasional drive to the Pine Tavern in Floyd to visit with Ruthie, Jean, Sarah and Steve.
Like all of us, Elliott was never perfect. He'll always be remembered for his loud, boisterous laugh, goofy grin and infectious charisma.
We would like to thank Raleigh Court for their attentive care and for the condolences and encouraging prayers of friends and family. For us, September 2nd is another reminder of how fleeting are the days on this earth, how precious are the opportunities to spend time with friends and family and how glorious is the sacrifice, salvation and promise of Jesus Christ. Go in peace and make the most of the opportunities afforded to you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ridge
Sponsored by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville.
Jeff and Pat Rotenizer
September 21, 2020
Farewell Elliot, see you one day
Rev. John Duvall
September 18, 2020
Dear Chuck and Kathy, my dear, dear spiritual children & all the Ridge family,
Elliott (and Hope), to me, shall ever be vibrant and alive! They were both so special. Elliott served on the Building Committee for the relocation and construction of First UMC. I recall when we laid the cornerstone for the new building, it included a brass box for "historic momentos"---lists of then-members of the church, officials, items of note in congregational history (like the Brother Sheffey revivals, etc.). Well, just before the architect sealed the box and set it inside the granite (from Mt. Airy!) stone for the builder to edge it all in mortar, dear Elliott dropped in a neatly folded and sealed envelope...no one who was there and saw it that I've ever mentioned it to knows what Elliott decided to include. That was Elliott! Always positive; always filled with happiness; often a surprise. Hope was his ever-special helpmate. Heaven holds wondrous attraction! I send you my heartfelt sympathy and always my love.
John Duvall, retired pastor, First UMC
Michelle Woolfolk
September 15, 2020
I instantly had deep admiration for Mr. Ridge . I would stop to check on him or talk to him in the hallway as I would visit my aunt. I was privileged to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with him . I am sending prayers and condolences to you as I just learned of his passing .
Sarah Jennings
September 14, 2020
Mr. Ridge was a pleasure to take care of. He was one of my first residents as a new CNA and always made sure to tell me I was doing a good job. He always wanted to know little things about my life and always asked me when I was going to have a baby because I’d make a great mother. I found out I was pregnant on August 29th and was excited to tell him but I didn’t get the chance. I know he’d be excited and I know he knows and is watching over us. My deepest condolences and prayers for the family.
Charles was always such a joy. My family always enjoyed his warm greeting when we would visit my sweet Nannie. He would always ask about my girls if they were not with me. My sincere condolences to your family. He will truly be missed.
Julie Parsons
September 8, 2020
I am so saddened to hear of Charles passing. He always had a smile on his face. I loved visiting with him when I would visit my Nannie. He was always the first smiling face I would see. My girls enjoyed visiting with him as well. He was such a joy and will be missed.
My sincere condolences to your family.
Linda Webb
September 8, 2020
Good man. Blessed to have him in my life.
Debbie McKellar & Tex Barton
September 8, 2020
Our deepest sympathy for your family. Mr. Ridge was a kind man, with a twinkle in his eye.
He was room mate with Mr. E. O. Barton "Tex", at Raleigh Court Health and Rehab.
Ridge family, our prayers are with you.
Tex Barton and Debbie McKellar
Forrest Gardner
September 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tina & Mike Wilcox
September 7, 2020
Ruthie and all of Elliot’s family: I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences during this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
Kimberly Baker
September 6, 2020
Kathy, I enjoyed taking care of your dad at Raleigh Court. When, I heard of his passing it broke my heart into a million pieces. I have some many fond memories of him. My prayers are with you and your family. RIP Mr Ridge, fly high with Ms Hope. Love you forever
Tim and Betty Gaskill
September 6, 2020
Ruthie may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
Susan Clark
September 6, 2020
Our sincerest sympathy and love to you!!!❤
Evona Jessup
September 5, 2020
So sorry to hear this. Praying for comfort for the family.
Mary Jane Espravnik
September 5, 2020
Ruthie and family: You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Russell and Pat Burkholder
September 5, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are one of the outstanding businessmen of Carroll County!
Gary & Brenda Quesinberry
September 5, 2020
Ridge family. So sorry to here about Elliot. May he rest in peace.
Mike and Kathy Crotts
September 5, 2020
So sorry for your family's loss! Love and prayers to you all!
Christine Beck
September 5, 2020
My family has great memories with the Ridge family! So sorry to hear of Elliot’s passing. Love and prayers to all.
Jim and Dianne Marshall
September 4, 2020
Dear Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of Elliott. May God sustain and strengthen you in the days ahead. With love, sympathy and friendship,
Karen Hill
September 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Prayers for the days ahead
Mamie Scott
September 4, 2020
I remember Elliot well from Hillsville days. Healing prayers for the entire family. Mamie Howlett Scotrt
Beth Graham
September 4, 2020
Chucky and Kathy. My condolences in the loss of your father.
Ronald & Faye Shepherd
September 4, 2020
My Mom & Dad were great friends with the Ridge Family. So sorry for your loss. May you be blessed with wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all the family.
Pat Weddle Julian
September 4, 2020
Prayers. To all the family. All the. Ridges. were. very good friends with my aunt and uncle Ruth and James Weddle. So sorry for your loss
Cheryl Fielder
September 4, 2020
Chuck, Kathy, and Family -- I am so sorry about the passing of your Dad!!!
Many prayers and much love are being sent to you!!!
Susan Cannaday
September 4, 2020
Chuck and Kathy I am sorry to hear this. Your Dad was a character, prayers for healing and peace.
Marcia Moore
September 4, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Elliott's passing. I know many family members and pray for strength and healing for all of you.
Debra Marshall Parker
September 4, 2020
Chuck and Family,
Prayers for peace of mind and heart for each of you.
CINDY and BOBBY COPELAND/SUMNER
September 4, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family. So sorry to hear about Elliott, I’ve known him and Hope most of my life. I will never forget baby sitting for Chuck and Kathy and the Dowdy boys, back in the day! Oh! for the good old days!!! Love, Cindy and Bobby
Liz Ingersoll
September 4, 2020
My most heartfelt sympathy to all the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to all of you.
Steven Dowdy
September 3, 2020
Elliott will be missed. I will forever be grateful for having the wonderful opportunity to grow up next door to such a groovy family. Elliott building a basketball court will always stay in my memory of how he cared for the children in our neighborhood. Chuck and Kathy, I'm here for you and truly love you both!
Irene Noell Turner
September 3, 2020
I knew Elliott and his sisters all of my life. My sincere sympathy to all of you. What a personable and good looking young man he was. That was when I was with the entire family the most in his youth.
I'm just looking at a pyramid we built with 8 people and he is on the bottom level at around age 13.
Vera and Garnett Dalton
September 3, 2020
Sincere sympathy to the family for your loss.
God bless and comfort each of you with many fond memories of your special family.
Linda Hill
September 3, 2020
So sorry for your loss all of the family are in my thoughts and prayers
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